The Macrowave
The Macrowave
The History of DNA, Part 1
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The History of DNA, Part 1

Friedrich Miescher and the Discovery of Nuclein

Ever wonder how we discovered DNA?

This week on The Macrowave, we begin with the story with Friedrich Miescher, a 19th-century scientist who dared to explore the chemical composition of cells using... pus-soaked bandages!

Learn how Miescher's work in isolating "nuclein" from cell nuclei, a substance rich in phosphorus, laid the foundation for future DNA research. Part one of our series explores the obstacles and misinterpretations Miescher faced, and how his pioneering work shaped the field of biochemistry.

Resources:

  • Miescher's Original Paper - Link

  • Nature Article - Link

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