The Creation Podcast, Ep. 114: Scientists Ignored This DNA Pattern for DECADES!

Date: January 15, 2026
Host: Mary Claire (A)
Guest: Dr. Jeff Tompkins (B), Institute for Creation Research
Podcast Theme: Exploring groundbreaking discoveries in genetics—particularly the 3D and 4D structure of the genome—from a biblical creationist perspective and why these findings challenge mainstream evolutionary models.

Episode Overview

This episode of The Creation Podcast dives deep into cutting-edge genetic research, focusing on the remarkable 3D folding of DNA within the cell, how this architecture influences gene expression, health, and individuality, and how these discoveries point to intelligent design. Dr. Jeff Tompkins, with decades of experience in genetics, discusses how the 3D (and even 4D, including changes over time) structure of the genome was long ignored by scientists and why new insights challenge evolutionary assumptions—emphasizing a creationist interpretation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

I. Dr. Tompkins’ Background and Genesis of 3D Genome Study

• [01:20] Dr. Tompkins’ Journey:
  • PhD in genetics, postdoctoral fellowship at a genomics institute
  • Directed the Genomics Institute at Clemson for 10 years
  • Studied a broad range of genomes: plants, animals, bacteria, “anything with DNA”
  • Experience across collaborative, multi-institutional projects

II. Understanding the 3D Genome

• [03:22] Beyond the Double Helix:

  • Traditional DNA studies looked at sequence linearly.
  • In the cell, DNA is intricately folded to fit in the nucleus and to function properly.
  • DNA’s packaging is unique for every cell type—liver, muscle, brain, etc.—allowing for tissue-specific gene expression.
  • "Genes function in networks… everything has to be just right in that cell for genes to function properly.” — Dr. Tompkins [05:08]

• Precision and Complexity:

  • DNA in a human cell: ~6ft long (from both parents), fits inside a microscopic nucleus.
  • Avoidance of “knots” and “tangles” compared to untidy ropes on a sailboat [06:00]
  • “How is all this DNA not getting knotted up?…the machinery that God placed in the nucleus keeps everything in the right place.” — Dr. Tompkins [07:30]
  • The genome’s 3D shape adapts not only by function but with time (e.g., day/night cycles—circadian rhythm).

III. Researching 3D Genomes & Discoveries

• [08:37] How 3D Genome is Studied:

  • Introduction to “transcription factories”—regions where multiple genes (even from separate chromosomes) are actively expressed together.
  • Techniques: “Conformation capture” methods chemically link DNA segments functioning together for analysis; advanced sequencing and bioinformatics are required.
  • Large-scale, collaborative, and expensive research efforts.

• [11:51] Chromosome Territories and TADs:

  • Chromosomes occupy distinct “territories” in the nucleus—seen via “chromosome painting.”
  • TADs (topologically associated domains): functional million-base-pair regions open for gene expression, while inactive areas are tightly packed.
  • Chromosome loops emerge from TADs for coordinated gene activity in the transcription factories.

IV. The 4D Genome: Adding Time to the Picture

• [14:19] What is the 4D Genome?
  • The “fourth dimension” is time; the genome’s structure shifts over the daily cycle (circadian rhythm) and in response to cellular needs.
  • Biomedical research increasingly focuses on how 3D/4D genome contributes to health and disease—funded by agencies like NIH.

V. Implications for Evolution vs. Creation

• [16:14] Challenging Evolutionary Models:

  • Quotation ([16:48], paraphrased): “Previous evolutionary models…overlooked the pivotal role of genome architecture.” — Eun Jin Lee et al.
  • Dr. Tompkins: Evolutionists claimed similar genes are a result of duplication and mutation; new findings show precise placement/population of genes and “junk DNA” vital for 3D structure—contradicting randomness assumed by evolution.

• [17:59] “Junk DNA” Misconceptions:

  • So-called junk regions are now shown to be crucial for 3D folding and genome function; evolutionists originally claimed such areas were leftovers with no function.

VI. Human vs. Chimpanzee Genomes

• [18:31] DNA Similarity Revisited:

  • Evolutionary claim: 98–99% similarity.
  • Dr. Tompkins’ research with improved techniques found only 84% similarity ([20:13]), not counting unmatchable or unique segments.
  • This gap undermines the evolutionary timescales and models requiring extreme similarity for a shared ancestor within 5–15 million years.

• [22:44] Theological Implications:

  • “Humans are created in the image of God…completely separate from everything else…that has a lot of importance theologically.” [23:01]
  • Emphasis on Genesis’ narrative of human uniqueness and need for redemption through Christ.

VII. Contrasting Worldviews: Creation vs. Evolution

• [24:38] Why Complexity Gets Downplayed in Mainstream Science:

  • Biomedical scientists driven by practical health research, not by evolutionary ideology.
  • Unexpected complexity “creates huge problems for evolution because they reveal nothing but total complexity.”
  • Many researchers remain compartmentalized and “just believe the party line,” preferring not to confront these implications.

• [28:37] Profound Complexity:

  • 3D genome reveals ingenious design—surpassing human comprehension and requiring a “powerful, all knowing creator.”
  • Quote: “It is so absolutely amazing at this point…only logical conclusion is that just an absolutely incredible infinite creator…created this.” — Dr. Tompkins [30:23]

VIII. Why It Matters for Everyone

• [29:03] What the 3D Genome Proves:

  • “It proves that there’s a creator…so complex we’re just beginning to scratch the surface…” — Dr. Tompkins [29:08]
  • 50 years of molecular biology barely covers the depths of what’s now being discovered.

• [31:17] Three Main Takeaways:

  • The genome is not a random mess, but precisely ordered and 3D-structured, varying by cell type, tissue, and time of day.
  • Its complexity is “difficult to even get our minds around.”
  • All points to a designer: “overriding theme is that this points directly to a powerful, all knowing, all powerful creator.”

IX. Viewer Q&A: The Genetics of Adam and Eve

• [33:58] Were Adam and Eve’s genomes the original, pristine human DNA?
  • “Yes, absolutely. Adam and Eve contained pristine DNA…no mutations…since then, mutations entered the genome, responsible for diseases.” — Dr. Tompkins
  • This corruption (“genetic entropy”) started after the Fall—the genome is degrading, not evolving.
  • All human variety now is built into Adam and Eve’s original genetic material.

Memorable Quotes (with Timestamps)

• “How is all this DNA not getting all knotted up and all discombobulated? ...the machinery that God placed in the nucleus of a cell is basically keeping everything in the right place, where it should be…” — Dr. Tompkins [07:30]

• “Genes function in networks…You don’t have a gene out there as a lone ranger.” — Dr. Tompkins [05:46]

• “Evolutionists once called those areas junk DNA…now it turns out that this so-called junk DNA is actually doing a lot of important things, and one of them is allowing that 3D genome structure to actually happen…” — Dr. Tompkins [17:59]

• “At best, the chimpanzee genome was only 84% similar to human.” — Dr. Tompkins [20:13]

• “According to…evolution, they need close to a 99% DNA similarity…So when you start throwing in 84%, that doesn’t really help.” — Dr. Tompkins [21:53]

• “What our mighty God has created is so complex that we’re just barely beginning to scratch the surface…” — Dr. Tompkins [29:08]

• “The only logical conclusion is that just an absolutely incredible infinite creator who is all powerful, all knowing, created this.” — Dr. Tompkins [30:23]

Important Segment Timestamps

• [01:20] — Dr. Tompkins’ research background
• [03:22] — What is the 3D genome?
• [06:00] — Sailboat rope analogy: DNA folding precision
• [08:37] — How scientists study the 3D genome
• [11:51] — Chromosome territories and TADs
• [14:19] — What is the 4D genome?
• [16:14] — Genome architecture challenges evolutionary models
• [18:31] — Human vs. chimpanzee genetic similarity
• [22:44] — Implications for human uniqueness
• [24:38] — Why complexity is ignored/downplayed
• [29:03] — Why listeners should care
• [31:17] — Three key takeaways
• [33:58] — Adam and Eve’s genetics and genetic entropy

Three Main Takeaways (per Dr. Tompkins) [31:17]

1. The genome is not random or linear, but is specifically ordered three-dimensionally for each cell type and time.
2. Its complexity is staggering—billions of base pairs are orchestrated for precise functionality.
3. All evidence points to an all-powerful Creator as the genome’s Designer.

Conclusion

This episode delivers a compelling case for the intricate, dynamic design of the genome—far removed from simplistic evolutionary explanations. Through the lens of scientific advances and a biblical worldview, Dr. Tompkins argues for intelligent design, highlighting how every new genetic discovery underscores the marvel of creation and the hand of an all-knowing God in the deepest architecture of life.