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Minute to Understanding

Bite-size science to help you keep up with the latest breakthroughs.

Science is full of acronyms, terms, and phrases that can confound anyone, even people who do this for a living! In these videos, you'll learn about bite-sized science topics and learn quick definitions that are easy to remember. We are constantly adding new ones, so bookmark this page!

Biological Modeling

What is a Mouse Model?

Minute to Understanding: What is a mouse model? - The Jackson Laboratory

Discover how mouse models are revolutionizing biomedical research. Learn how genetically engineered mice help us understand human diseases like Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and cancer, bringing us closer to clinical breakthroughs. Explore bite-sized science with "Minute to Understanding" videos.

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Minute to Understanding: Modeling human diversity ... in mice! - The Jackson Laboratory

Humans are very genetically diverse, so how can we model those differences in mice to find better treatments for disease?

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What is a PDX Mouse?

What is a PDX mouse?

Explore how PDX mouse models (patient-derived xenograft models) enable personalized medicine by testing treatments on human tumor tissues. Discover breakthroughs in cancer research and precision medicine with Jackson Laboratory's bite-sized science videos.

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DNA

DNA 101

Minute to Understanding: DNA 101

Learn the basics of DNA, genes, and genomes with Jackson Laboratory's "DNA 101" video. Understand the building blocks of life, from base pairs to chromosomes, in this bite-sized science explanation.

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What is DNA?

Minute to Understanding: What is DNA?

Discover what DNA is and how it serves as the genetic instruction manual for life. Learn how DNA sequences determine traits and pass heritable information from one generation to the next.

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What is a Chromosome?

Minute to Understanding: What is a chromosome?

Discover the role of chromosomes in cell division and genetic data storage. Learn how these DNA-packed structures enable proper cell function and ensure life’s continuity.

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What are DNA Variants?

Minute to Understanding: What are DNA variants?

Explore DNA variants and discover how mutations during DNA replication make each organism unique. Learn about their role in genetic variation and their potential impact on life.

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What is an Allele?

Minute to Understanding - Video Series by The Jackson Laboratory

Explore bite-sized science with Minute to Understanding. Quick, easy-to-remember videos simplify complex scientific terms and breakthroughs. Perfect for staying informed on the latest advancements.

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What are Telomeres?

Minute to Understanding: What are Ttelomeres?

What are telomeres? Telomeres are structures made from DNA sequences and proteins found at the ends of chromosomes. They cap and protect the end of a chromosome like the end of a shoelace.

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Genetic Studies

What are Genes?

Minute to Understanding: What are genes?

Every person in the world is different. We all have physical characteristics and quirks that make us unique. But what, biologically, makes us who we are?

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Genetics vs. Genomics

Minute to Understanding: What is the difference between genetics and genomics?

The difference between genetics and genomics is not just the letter "O."

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What is Epigenetics?

Minute to Understanding: What is epigenetics? - The Jackson Laboratory

Learn how epigenetic changes can affect an individual — without physically changing their DNA sequence.

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What is Gene Therapy?

Minute to Understanding: What is gene therapy?

Mutations in our genes can cause life-threatening diseases, and sometimes there is no drug or surgery available for your doctor to prescribe. Enter gene therapy.

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Can Our Genetic Makeup Protect Us from Disease?

Minute to Understanding: Can our genetic makeup protect us from disease?

Discover what genetic resilience is and how our genetic makeup can protect us from disease in this Minute to Understanding from The Jackson Laboratory!

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Health

What is the Skin Microbiome?

Minute to Understanding: What is the skin microbiome?

The trillions of bacteria, fungi and viruses that live on the skin all over our bodies is part of the microbiome.

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What is Cancer?

Minute to Understanding: What is cancer?

How does cancer arise and why is it so complex?

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Healthspan vs. Lifespan

Minute to Understanding: Lifespan vs. Healthspan

We all want to live long lives, but not at the expense of our health!

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What is Endometriosis?

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a fairly common gynecological condition that affects 200 million people with uteruses worldwide. So what is this condition, exactly, and what can be done about it?

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