In Vivo

Dr. Chris Mason, NASA scientist and author of The Next 500 Years, is leading efforts to engineer human life for space travel and planetary colonization. From the Twin Study with Scott and Mark Kelly to genetic modifications for radiation resistance, this episode explores how biotechnology, genomics, and spaceflight will shape the future of our species.Topics Covered:- How genetics can help humans survive radiation & microgravity- The NASA Twin Study & what spaceflight does to the human body- How gene editing & CRISPR could prepare astronauts for Mars- The challenges of long-term space travel & planetary colonization- Why synthetic biology and microbiome engineering are key to survival- The ethical dilemmas of human genetic engineering for space- What life in space, on Mars, and beyond could look likeAbout Dr. Chris Mason:Dr. Chris Mason is a geneticist, computational biologist, and professor at Weill Cornell Medicine. He has worked extensively with NASA on space biology, including the NASA Twin Study, SpaceX collaborations, and Artemis missions. His book The Next 500 Years presents a bold plan for making humans a multi-planetary species. Listen in to explore the frontiers of genetics, space travel, and the future of humanity.Introduction to Space Exploration and Multi-Planetary Existence - 00:00:00The Role of Biology in Future Space Missions - 00:00:44The Ten Phase Plan for Engineering Life for Space - 00:01:11Ethical Responsibilities and the Book's Dedication - 00:02:01Origin of the Book and Early Thoughts on Space Exploration - 00:04:23Humanity's Drive to Explore and the Urgency of Space Travel - 00:06:42Phase One: Understanding the Human Genome - The Twin Study - 00:07:26Surprising Findings from the Twin Study - 00:08:09Immediate Telomere Elongation in Space - 00:11:03Practical Applications from Space Biology Research - 00:12:08Challenges and Innovations in Space PCR - 00:14:57Phase Two: Preliminary Genome Engineering - 00:16:48Advancements in Genome Editing Technologies - 00:17:19Long-Term Trials and Intergenerational Studies - 00:19:07Somatic vs. Germline Editing in Space Context - 00:20:11Future Phases: Synthetic Biology and Exoplanet Exploration - 00:22:15The Ultimate Goal: Multi-Planetary Societies - 00:22:32Generation Ships and Philosophical Considerations - 00:24:09Comparing Phase Ten with Kardashev Scale Achievements - 00:25:05Space Exploration Without Genetic Engineering - 00:27:44Engineering Organisms for Space Survival - 00:29:14The Extreme Microbiome Project - 00:30:45Philosophical Reflections on Humanity and Genetic Engineering - 00:32:15Concepts of Cellular, Molecular, and Planetary Liberty - 00:34:23Health Implications of Spacewalks - 00:37:21Artemis Missions and Future Lunar Studies - 00:38:42Planetary Protection and Contamination Concerns - 00:39:38Science Fiction Influences on Future Visions - 00:41:35Personal Motivations and the Fragility of Life - 00:44:10De-Extinction Efforts: The Colossus Project - 00:45:53Considering Alternative Nucleotides in Alien Life - 00:48:07Advice for Young Scientists - 00:49:26Resources for Engaging with Space Genetics - 00:52:13Closing Remarks - 00:52:40Dr. Mason's Lab - https://www.masonlab.net/NASA GeneLab - https://genelab.nasa.gov/Dr. Andy Feinberg pipetting in microgravity - https://youtu.be/FKoqqJi3-k4?si=TOvc_t-fpTxuYhHo&t=1148Attributions:SpaceX - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97GOcZ08tc4Thermo Fisher Scientific - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y2WqSdDHyo&t=18sIn Vivo on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GBvPPvSx52O6ILuam4LoX?si=6c903566ae7b4761

Publishing research isn’t enough—science needs great storytelling.Dr. Tullio Rossi, founder of Animate Your Science, has transformed the way scientists communicate by turning complex research into engaging visual narratives.Topics Covered:Why scientists must communicate their work beyond academic journalsThe power of visual storytelling in making science accessibleHow AI is transforming scientific communication & content creationThe role of graphics, video abstracts & animations in research visibilityHow to balance creativity and accuracy in scientific visualsWhy science storytelling is essential for funding, public trust & impactCareer opportunities in science communication & visual mediaAbout Dr. Tullio Rossi:Dr. Tullio Rossi is a marine biologist turned science communication expert. He founded Animate Your Science, a company dedicated to making scientific research engaging through animations and visuals. His work has been internationally recognized for bridging the gap between researchers and the public.Listen in to learn how scientists can make their research more impactful and accessible.Introduction to Science Communication and Visual Storytelling - 00:00:00The Journey to Founding Animate Your Science - 00:02:16Merging Art and Science: The Misconception of Creativity in Science - 00:07:17The Power of Visuals in Communicating Science - 00:08:49Storytelling in Science: The "And But Therefore" Structure - 00:10:13Humanizing Scientific Subjects for Broader Impact - 00:16:16The Animation Process at Animate Your Science - 00:18:24Team Composition: Scientists and Artists Collaborating - 00:20:56Historical Examples of Visual Scientific Communication - 00:22:23The Role of AI in Graphic Design for Science - 00:24:49Challenges and Opportunities with AI in Visual Science - 00:27:14Legal Considerations with AI-Generated Content - 00:30:30Leonardo Da Vinci's Potential Views on Modern Science Communication - 00:34:08Career Opportunities in Science Visual Communication - 00:35:56Advice for Aspiring Science Graphic Designers - 00:38:26Building a Portfolio and Gaining Recognition - 00:42:11Soft Skills Essential for Success in Science Communication - 00:43:53Personal Growth Through Public Speaking and Comfort Zone Challenges - 00:45:03Transition from Freelancer to Business Owner - 00:49:36Final Words of Wisdom for Graduating Scientists - 00:54:06Where to Find More Information on Animate Your Science - 00:55:44Closing Remarks - 00:56:07Dr. Tullio Rossi's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tulliorossi/

Beer is more than just a drink—it’s a scientific masterpiece.Dr. Charlie Bamforth, known as the "Pope of Foam," is a world-renowned expert in brewing science, beer chemistry, and fermentation biotechnology. In this episode of In Vivo, we dive deep into:Topics Covered:- How beer helped shape civilization & early biotechnology- The science of foam, fermentation & yeast evolution- How brewers mastered the process without understanding the science- The role of yeast, hops, water chemistry & enzymes in brewing- The impact of biotechnology on modern brewing & genetic engineering of yeast- The truth about beer’s health effects & hydration debate- The future of craft brewing, lager yeast & genetically modified beer- Career opportunities in biotechnology & brewing scienceAbout Dr. Charlie Bamforth:Dr. Charlie Bamforth is a Professor Emeritus at UC Davis, a senior quality advisor at Sierra Nevada Brewing, and a global expert on beer science, fermentation, and brewing chemistry. His research has revolutionized how beer is made, improving foam stability, flavor, and production efficiency.Listen in to discover the fascinating science behind your favorite drink!Introduction to Beer and Biotechnology - 00:00:00The Historical Significance of Beer in Civilization - 00:00:37Mastering Brewing Without Understanding Science - 00:03:07Decoction Mashing: A Historical Brewing Technique - 00:03:34The Taste and Perception of Ancient Beers - 00:08:23Health Benefits and Controversies of Beer - 00:13:08Technological Advancements in Brewing - 00:17:52Refrigeration and Pure Yeast Cultures Impact - 00:18:20Modern Biotechnology in Brewing: Genetic Modification - 00:20:32Genetically Modified Yeast for Flavor and Efficiency - 00:22:22Availability of Yeast and Its Impact on Home Brewing - 00:27:17The Science of Malting and Its Importance - 00:31:27Brewing as a Microcosm for Teaching Biotechnology - 00:38:11The Intersection of Beer and Science in Bamforth's Career - 00:41:42The German Beer Purity Law and Its Relevance - 00:44:23Job Opportunities in Brewing for Biotechnologists - 00:46:47Fun Beer Style Associations - 00:50:48Choosing a Beer for an Alien Civilization - 00:52:22Advice for Young Biotechnologists Interested in Brewing - 00:53:16Closing Remarks - 00:53:44Dr. Bamforth at Sierra Nevada Brewing – https://sierranevada.com/blog/a-brewers-alphabet/meet-charlie-bamforth-the-pope-of-foamCheck out ‘Beer: Tap Into the Art and Science of Brewing’ by Dr. Bamforth - https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0199996741?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_detailsDr. Bamforth’s Wiki page - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_BamforthDr. Bamforth's Lab - https://bamforth.faculty.ucdavis.edu/#primary

Many students grapple with a challenging paradox: breaking into the biotech industry without any practical experience outside of their academic achievements. In today's discussion, we're exploring this dilemma with an individual who has successfully navigated this path. Joining us is Tatiana Nazarova, a Quality Control Scientist at a leading-edge pharmaceutical lab that specializes in the development of cannabis-derived molecules. With her fresh perspective and recent journey from academia to industry, Tatiana represents the voice a new generation in biotechnology — those who are directly transitioning from their studies and into the exciting world of professional biotech. In this interview, we discuss the expectations versus reality of working in a biotech lab, navigating the job market fresh out of school, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. Tatiana shares her insights into the hiring process, the skills and attributes that are truly in demand within the industry, and advice for students on the cusp of graduation. So, whether you’re a student looking to break into the biotech industry or an educator guiding the next generation, Tatiana’s journey offers something for everyone.

Today I’m sitting down with Dr. Randy Peterson to discuss the evolution of biotechnology over the years, and what the future has in store. Randy worked as research scientist in academia and in an industry before moving into the commercialization aspect of biotechnology. Today he is a professor in McMaster University’s graduate Entrepreneurship and an intellectual property and commercialization mentor at IP Ontario. Randy’s journey through the industry offers us a unique perspective on the intersection between scientific advancement, intellectual property and commercialization. Randy has a keen passion for motivating young biotechnologists to consider business and entrepreneurship in an age where access to information is seemingly limitless and opportunities are abundant.

Today we’re sitting down with Dr. Peter Azmi. He’s an entrepreneur, scientist, artist, educator and ultimately a professional problem solver. He holds a Masters and PhD in cancer medicine from the University of Toronto and is a visiting professor of Business Innovation at the Monterrey Center for Higher Learning of Design, in Monterey Mexico. Dr. Azmi is a business innovation and biotechnology specialist and has worked extensively in the life sciences and biotechnology sectors, helping launch multiple biotech startups along the way. He has been involved in entrepreneurship, innovation and scientific R&D for over 20 years and has seen the challenges within the industry first-hand. Currently, he leads i+ Business Development Studios, an innovation strategy and business development agency. Dr. Azmi also teaches entrepreneurship and innovation to students around the world, helping the next generation understand stakeholder-centric principles of business design and strategy. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into turning an idea into an invention and then into business, this is the episode for you. Learn more about Dr. Peter Azmi's entrepreneurial work here: https://innovatingbd.com/

The following is a conversation with Mingyang Sun, a scientist, entrepreneur and former classmate of mine at York University. There, he completed a masters in molecular biology and then a masters of business administration at the UBC Sauder school of business. Ming has worn many hats during his career in the biotech industry, ascending the ladder from lab manager, to product developer, then vice president of a Cannabis startup and now CEO of Bioboost Synbio. His current ventures seek to develop plant-based sanitizers and pesticides for the agriculture industry. He’s also using synthetic biology to produce a variety of biosynthesized molecules via yeast fermentation. There are few biotechnologists that have seen the industry from so many perspectives in such a short period of time. His journey is inspiring and he has many lessons to share. So I’m excited to sit down with Ming to discuss the in’s and out’s of the industry, the hurdles and challenges of biomanufacturing as well as the exciting future that these technologies promise. Learn more about Mingyang's biotech companies here: https://www.bioboostsynbio.com/ and here: https://www.naturerecombined.com/

Today I’m speaking with Dr. Gregory Anderson, one of the founding professors of the Biotechnology program at Georgian College and a staunch advocate for developing research programs at his institute. He joined the faculty in 2015 after spending 12 years as a Researcher at both Sunnybrook and Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto. While there, his research focused on using high-resolution, high-throughput physics imaging techniques to try to understand the roles that various genes played in the development of the cardiovascular system and ultimately their contribution to the development of cardiovascular disease. This work required the collaboration of various scientific teams from around the world, which helped foster in Dr. Anderson the idea that truly great research cannot be done without great teamwork skills. Dr. Anderson holds both an MSc and a PhD degree from the University of Toronto in Medical Biophysics, as well as a BSc from the University of Waterloo in Biology and Chemistry. Dr. Anderson is well versed in the scientific method, as he’s published 13 peer-reviewed papers on his research, most recently in 2020. Today, Dr. Anderson continues to contribute to research at Georgian College as the Research Lead for Health and Wellness Sciences.

Today I sit down with Dr. Monty Gill, a lecturer at the University of Guelph-Humber, one of the finest research scientists that I’ve known and my favorite person to talk science with. He completed a PhD in Molecular Genetics at the University of Toronto, followed by postdoctoral fellowships at the Amgen research institute, Ontario Institute for Cancer research and the Lunenfeld research institute. Dr. Gill then transitioned into a Research Associate role at York University, where I had the pleasure of working with him and learning from him. As a scientist, he focused on several signaling pathways including the regulation of the Retinoblastoma gene, telomerase activity control, RNA interference in insulin signaling and AKT targeting of cell cycle proteins. His respect and mastery of the scientific method is matched by few, and is built on a foundation of tens of thousands of hours spent in molecular biology labs, resulting in over 20 publications to his name. Today he lectures in the kinesiology department at the University of Guelph Humber, where he continues to impart his endless well of knowledge on up and coming scientists.

Today we’re sitting down with Dr. Kerry Bowman, a prominent Canadian bioethicist and conservationist. He’s currently a professor at the University of Toronto's Dalla Lana School of Public Health and once served as a clinical ethicist at Mt. Sinai hospital and Sunnybrook health Sciences centre. Dr. Bowman is the president and founder of The Canadian Ape Alliance, a member of the Board of Directors of The Jane Goodall Institute and works with the UNEP. Throughout his career, Dr. Kerry Bowman has been deeply involved in addressing complex ethical issues arising from advances in biotechnology, genomics, and healthcare. He is known for his insightful contributions to the ethical debates surrounding topics such as genetic testing, assisted reproductive technologies, and organ transplantation. And in fact, you may have seen him as a contributor on these topics on various international news stations. Additionally, his expertise extends to exploring ethical concerns related to global health and environmental health. He works in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo as a conservationist working to help protect the great apes of Africa. He frequently consults internationally on conservation issues in various parts of Africa, as well as India, Indonesia, Brazil and Iran. Dr. Bowman has consulted for the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta on research exploring the link between the hunting of great apes and the transmission of retroviruses such as HIV. More recently, Dr. Bowman has been spending time in the western Amazon where he studies uncontacted tribes and seeks to expand our knowledge on the interplay between biodiversity and global health. Learn more about Dr. Kerry Bowman's conservation work here: https://forestandhealth.org/