Dr Joshua Lederberg on Virus Genetics (1959) 16MM (Stanford University Lecture Film) RNA DNA phages

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GHESM3pYfU
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Source title : Stanford University Lecture Film – Dr. Joshua Lederberg on Virus Genetics (1959) 16MM
Youtube channel The Archive
Uploaded Oct 7, 2025
In this 1959 lecture, Nobel laureate Dr. Joshua Lederberg explores major advances in the study of viruses—particularly their genetics and mechanisms of replication, linking research on bacteriophages, plant, and animal viruses. He details the experimental challenges of quantifying and isolating viruses such as tobacco mosaic, influenza, and poliomyelitis, and explains how tissue culture and dilution methods have improved genetic analysis. Lederberg describes discoveries of genetic recombination in influenza and vaccinia viruses, while noting the difficulties of achieving similar results in polio research. He highlights the landmark realization that isolated viral nucleic acids (RNA or DNA) can retain infectivity, proving that genetic material—not the protein coat—encodes all necessary information for viral replication and specificity. He concludes by emphasizing the continuity of heredity through nucleic acids, likening their role in biology to that of ink carrying the meaning of words in a dictionary.

Title: Lecture Film – Dr. Joshua Lederberg on Virus Genetics (1959)
Format: 16mm
Film Stock: Eastman Safety Black & White Edge Code 1960
Distributor: McGraw-Hill / University Films
Run Time: 30 minutes (approx.)
Leaders: Original lab leaders present at heads and tails