Rescuing the northern white rhino

A reference genome aids efforts to rescue the northern white rhinoceros

Science Sessions are brief conversations with cutting-edge researchers, National Academy members, and policymakers as they discuss topics relevant to today's scientific community. Learn the behind-the-scenes story of work published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), plus a broad range of scientific news about discoveries that affect the world around us.

In this episode, Franz-Josef Müller explains genomic tools to aid the functionally extinct northern white rhinoceros.

In this episode, we cover: •[00:00] Introduction •[01:11] Multidisciplinary scientist Franz-Josef Müller introduces the northern white rhinoceros. •[01:55] He introduces induced pluripotent stem cells and why they’re important in efforts to save the northern white rhinoceros. •[04:20] He talks about the genomic risks of using induced pluripotent stem cells •[05:21] Müller tells the story of how he and his colleagues came together to complete the study. •[06:36] He explains how the northern white rhino’s genome was sequenced. •[07:58] He talks about the results and implications for stem cell genomic integrity. •[08:51] Müller enumerates the caveats and limitations of the study. •[10:24] Conclusion.

About Our Guest:

Franz-Josef Müller Professor University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein

View related content here: https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2401207122

Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts for more captivating discussions on scientific breakthroughs!

Visit Science Sessions on PNAS.org: https://www.pnas.org/about/science-sessions-podcast 

Follow PNAS: Twitter/X Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Sign up for the PNAS Highlights newsletter