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21/05/2011 GMT

How far are we shaped by what we eat? The pooled thoughts of an American geneticist, a British social historian and an Israeli dancer and choreographer.

On this week’s Forum, we ask how far are we shaped by what we eat?

Many of us are taller than our grandparents, and many of them were taller than theirs. In fact in the last 300 years, the human race has grown faster than at any time in history. But surely it can’t go on ad infinitum? So what drives our body growth and what might stop it? Social historian Professor Bernard Harris explores the implications of our changing body shape.

US geneticist professor Ross Hardison tells us about his research into nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA. He explains how a few small tweaks in our nucelotides can add up to the difference between health and disease.

And the celebrated Israeli born dancer and choreographer – Jasmin Vardimon explores how our psyche expresses itself in the body.

Illustration by Emily Kasriel: Junk DNA is revealed as important in creating taller dancers, baring their souls and trauma through their body.

Available now

41 minutes

Last on

Sun 22 May 2011 14:05GMT

Chapters

  • Part 1

    Bernard Harris: the implications of our changing body shape.

    Duration: 14:40

  • Jasmin Vardimon

    Jasmin Vardimon: how our psyche represents itself in the body.

    Duration: 08:20

  • Part 2 60 Second Idea

    60 Second Idea: daily, give something from your body, mind, or soul.

    Duration: 05:33

  • Ross Hardison

    Ross Hardison: how tweaking our DNA can mean the difference between health and disease.

    Duration: 11:56

Broadcasts

  • Sat 21 May 2011 08:05GMT
  • Sat 21 May 2011 21:05GMT
  • Sun 22 May 2011 01:05GMT
  • Sun 22 May 2011 14:05GMT

Do you think political or business leaders need to be charismatic? Or do you prefer highly competent but somewhat stern people?

Do you think political or business leaders need to be charismatic? Or do you prefer highly competent but somewhat stern people?

We’d love to hear your views on charm and charisma for a future Forum.

Podcast