Charles Berquist, a senior producer at SciFri, and Niamh Mullins, a psychiatric genomics expert, dive into the recent discovery of the H5N9 bird flu strain in California. They discuss its implications for public health and the potential threat of viral reassortment. Switching gears, Niamh shares groundbreaking findings linking 298 genomic regions to bipolar disorder, unraveling its complex genetics and paving the way for improved treatments. The conversation also hints at the intriguing connections between genetics, gut health, and mental wellness.