Betül Kaçar: What ancient DNA can tell us about life on Earth… and beyond | The InnerView

Betül Kaçar says DNA holds the key to unraveling the fundamental attributes of life itself. She tells Imran Garda that by understanding it, we can reshape our perceptions of habitable worlds and explore the possibility of life beyond our planet.

Born in Istanbul, Kaçar is a Nasa-supported astrobiology professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She joins The InnerView to share insights into her research on early life and its origins and to explain why young scientists should pursue a career in the fascinating field of astrobiology.

00:00 A DNA detective
01:34 Question from Imran's daughter
02:04 What does an astrobiologist do?
03:59 Microorganisms and bacteria
05:10 How can exploring Mars help us understand the origins of life?
06:25 Resurrecting ancient DNA
08:00 Being a DNA "archaeologist"
11:51 The most illuminating moment Betül experienced in the lab
12:56 "Earth is my favourite planet”
15:12 Panspermia and space colonization
17:02 Is astrobiology a good career?
18:51 Young Betül's dream
19:48 Adjusting to life in the US
20:53 Representing Türkiye
23:02 Asteroid 284919 Kaçar
24:06 Where is Betül's work headed

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