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(Repeat) The biotech tool CRISPR lets us do more than shuffle genes.\xa0Researchers have embedded an animated GIF into a living organism\u2019s DNA, proving that the molecule is a great repository for information.\xa0This has encouraged speculation that DNA could be used by aliens to send messages.\xa0\nMeanwhile, nature has seized on this powerful storage system in surprising ways.\xa0Scientists have learned that the 98% of our genome \u2013 once dismissed as \u201cjunk\u201d \u2013 contains valuable genetic treasure. Find out what project ENCODE is learning about the \u201cdark genome.\u201d\nPlus, how viruses became the original stealth coders, inserting their DNA into ancient bacteria and eventually leading to the development of CRISPR technology.\xa0Discover the potential of this powerful tool, from curing disease to making pig organs transplant-friendly, and the possible dark side of quick-and-easy gene editing.\xa0\xa0\nGuests:\n\n\nPaul Davies- Director of the Beyond Center for Fundamental Concepts in Science at Arizona State University\n\n\nYin Shen-\xa0Assistant professor, Department of Neurology, Institute for Human Genetics, University of California \u2013 San Francisco, member of ENCODE team\xa0\n\n\nSam Sternberg-\xa0Assistant professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, and co-author of \u201cA Crack in Creation: Gene Editing and the Unthinkable Power to Control Evolution\u201d\xa0\xa0\n\n\nHank Greely-\xa0Director, Center for Law and the Biosciences; Chair of the Steering Committee of the Center for Biomedical Ethics; and Director, Stanford Program in Neuroscience and Society\n\n\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices