Miracles of Science #3: RNA World Part 1

Miracles of Science #3: RNA World Part 1

From Patient Empowerment Program: A Rare Disease Podcast by n-Lorem Foundation (Dr. Stan Crooke, Amy Williford, Kim Butler, Andrew Serrano, Jon Magnuson, and Kira Dineen)

May 20, 2026 · 34 min · Episode 97

About this episode

Stan Crooke explores the groundbreaking field of RNA biology and its impact on modern genetic medicine.

In this episode of the n-Lorem Patient Empowerment Podcast, Stan Crooke explores the “RNA World” — the groundbreaking field of RNA biology that helped make modern genetic medicine possible. Drawing from personal experience, he shares the scientific battles surrounding early RNA discoveries, the development of antisense technology, and how decades of persistence ultimately led to life-changing therapies for nano-rare patients. Along the way, Stan explains how evolution, molecular biology, and information systems inside cells shape human health and the future of medicine. 00:00 – Introduction & Sponsor Message Stan introduces the episode and explains the importance of the RNA World to nano-rare medicine. 02:15 – Why RNA Science Changed Everything How RNA discoveries became foundational to modern genetic therapies. 05:10 – The Scientific Wars Over Small Nuclear RNAs The fierce debates among scientists about whether snRNAs were real or experimental artifacts. 09:40 – What Science Is Really Like Behind the Scenes Stan discusses the emotional and competitive nature of scientific discovery. 13:00 – Antisense Technology & the Road to Spinraza How decades of RNA research led to…

People in this episode

Host: Stan Crooke

Topics covered

  • RNA biology
  • genetic medicine
  • antisense technology
  • scientific discovery
  • evolution
  • molecular biology

Keywords

  • RNA World
  • genetic therapies
  • antisense technology
  • spinal muscular atrophy
  • molecular strategies

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: n-Lorem Foundation

Products: Spinraza

Books & works: RNA World

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