Heredity is a word that we understand—or at least think we do. It’s how we define ourselves and link our identity to our ancestors. We obsess over our heredity, either by poring through genealogical records or by getting our DNA sequenced. But scientists are shattering our conventional notions of heredity, discovering new channels through which the past can shape the future. Neanderthal genes influence our health and our brains. Culture and epigenetics allow our lived experience to shape posterity. In this lecture, Carl Zimmer will explore the history of heredity and its scientific frontiers, explaining how we are learning how to control heredity with tools such as CRISPR. It is an awesome, even dangerous power: history shows us that heredity has been abused over and over again to justify racism and rigid systems of class—even forced sterilization and genocide. We can’t afford to let that happen again. Provided by the CAST Senior Center, our Documentary Programs provide an endless variety of interesting subjects in a prerecorded, professional film format. They take us across the country and around the world, experiencing and learning about places and people which we wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to experience. Our documentaries are entertaining, informative, and inspiring. They offer a unique and powerful form of storytelling that captures your attention and provoke thought and discussion. Scheduled every Tuesday afternoon, unless noted, at 1pm at the CAST Senior Center, our Documentary Programs are free and open to the public. There are no membership dues, and everyone is welcome to attend. Programming is provided by Curiosity U and other online providers. Check out our documentary program schedule every month and join us. We look forward to seeing you!