COOKEVILLE – WCTE PBS will partner with Tennessee Tech to bring to the Tennessee Tech campus and community a virtual screening of “THE GENE” produced by Ken Burns and Barak Goodman, Monday, April 26 at 7 p.m. Following the screening WCTE will have a panel discussion with special guests that include Dr. Derek Cashman, PhD; Dr. James Gray, MD; and Dr. Carla Hurt, PhD. Guest are invited to join the screening by visiting wcte.org where they can find the link to the virtual event.
“The Gene: An Intimate History” is a four-hour documentary adapted from the award-winning book of the same name by Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee. The series tells the story of the rapid evolution of genetic science from Gregor Mendel’s groundbreaking experiment in the 19th century to CRISPR, and the hope that newfound powers to alter DNA with pinpoint precision will transform the treatment of some of the world’s most complex and challenging diseases. The series also tackles the daunting ethical challenges that these technologies pose for humankind.
“We are thrilled to provide students and our community throughout central Tennessee the opportunity to learn more about the latest development in genetic medicine and research from an esteemed panel from Tennessee Tech,” said Brent Clark, director of content and digital media at WCTE PBS. “The event will be moderated by Dr. Cephas Ablakwa from WCTE PBS following the half-hour screening.”
“THE GENE” weaves together science, history and personal stories for a historical biography of the human genome, while also exploring breakthroughs for diagnosis and treatment of genetic diseases and the complex ethical questions they raise. The complete documentary will air on WCTE PBS and stream on WCTE’s YouTube TV channel on Sunday, May 2 and Sunday, May 9 from 10 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. To learn more about the screening and panel discussion, please visit wcte.org.
WCTE Central TN PBS has served the Upper Cumberland 40+ years as the region’s premier storyteller and is the only television station in a 75-mile radius of Cookeville making it a strategic partner in education, health services, government, arts and music. WCTE is a 501(c) 3 and is owned and operated by the Upper Cumberland Broadcast Council. WCTE Central TN PBS is one of only 350 PBS member stations nationwide.
