About This Project

Making Genetics Click

Decoding Genetics is a visual learning hub built to turn dense, technical genetics concepts into animations anyone can follow — no science degree required.

The Motivation

Why Build This?

Rare diseases affect more than 300 million people worldwide, and around 80% have a genetic cause. As precision medicine and gene-based therapies become more common, patients and families are increasingly expected to understand complex genetic concepts—often within the limited time available during healthcare appointments.

Yet genetics is still commonly taught through dense diagrams and technical language, making an inherently visual, dynamic subject feel abstract and difficult to grasp. DNA, proteins, and molecular interactions are constantly moving, but they're rarely explained that way.

Decoding Genetics was created to bridge that gap. Through accurate scientific storytelling and cinematic 3D and 2D animation, it transforms complex topics—like genetic variants and antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapies—into visual experiences that are easier to understand, remember, and share.

What You'll Take Away

Key Learning Objectives

01

Understand Core Molecular Biology

Build a solid foundation in DNA, RNA, and protein structure, and how these molecules work together.

02

Connect Variants to Disease

Learn how genetic variation arises and how it can influence protein function and health outcomes.

03

Explore Emerging Therapies

Understand how antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) work, and where their limitations lie.

04

Think Visually About Science

Develop the ability to picture molecular processes in three dimensions, not just as static diagrams.

The People Behind It

Meet the Team

EH

Eve Higgins

Hons. BHSC, MScBMC

Biomedical Communicator

Led the research, design, animation, and development of this hub from concept through to final build.

DN

Dr. Derek Ng

BSc, PhD, MScBMC

Faculty Expert

Provided guidance on the development and design of the project.

GC

Dr. Gregory Costain

MD, PhD, FRCPC

Scientific Advisor

Guided scientific accuracy of content and visuals, and coordinated the research associated with this project.

With Thanks

Acknowledgements

This project would not have been possible without the mentorship, feedback, and support of the faculty, colleagues, and reviewers who helped shape it along the way. Their time and expertise were invaluable in bringing this hub from an idea to a finished resource.

Get In Touch

Contact Us

Have any questions or feedback about Decoding Genetics, or any topics you'd like to see? Feel free to fill out the form below. For medical questions, please contact a healthcare provider.