Explore the fascinating journey of decoding DNA in this 39-minute lecture by Matthew Cobb at The Royal Institution. Uncover the groundbreaking discoveries that led to cracking the genetic code and their profound implications for evolutionary theory. Delve into the historical context of DNA research, from the transforming principle to Erwin Schrödinger's contributions. Examine the role of information theory and cybernetics in shaping our understanding of genetic processes. Learn about the final weeks of the project, the significance of the "magic number 20," and the flow of genetic information. Investigate the international race to decipher the code, including efforts in Moscow, and ponder the origins of the genetic code itself. Gain insights into how these discoveries have shaped modern biology and our understanding of life's evolution.