Nice Genes!

The food supplement industry rakes in billions of dollars every year. So with so much money being spent on things like vitamins, they must be worth it, right? Right?! Dr. Kaylee Byers and Sarah Lando give you the down low on what’s good for you– and what’s just good for business.Resources:1. Is There Really Any Benefit to Multivitamins? – Hopkins Medicine2. Daily multivitamins do not help people live longer, major study finds – The Guardian3. Multivitamin Use and Mortality Risk in 3 Prospective US Cohorts – JAMA4. Do You Need to Take Magnesium Supplements? – The New York Times5. Role of Beta-Carotene in Lung Cancer Primary Chemoprevention: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression – National Institute of Health6. Dietary Supplements Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Ingredient (Vitamins, Minerals, Probiotics), By Form (Capsules, Gummies, Liquids), By End User, By Application, By Type, By Distribution Channel, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030 – Grandview Research

This episode was originally released on November 14, 2023Sleep is essential to our lives, but our perception of how it functions in our non-waking life is not always well understood. So in the mires of our busy daily lives do we overlook sleep by seeing it as a means of refilling our energy for a productive day? By questioning this assumption, one term rolls from out of the haze: The ‘Circadian Rhythm’.Dr. Kaylee Byers speaks with Dr. Hiroki Ueda from the University of Tokyo in the Faculty of Medicine on demystifying the links between our sleep and genomics. Then neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Coogan shares the connection between sleep and ADHD. Finally, we hear from Dr. Ueda and Dr. Hiroshi Ono, from Hitotsubashi University Business School, on how their homeland of Japan is reckoning with an off-balance relationship with sleep and work.References:Molecular Mechanisms of REM Sleep | NeurosciThe ability to dream may be genetic | Canadian Broadcast Corporation (CBC)Next-Generation Mice Genetics for Circadian Studies | NeuromethodsEvolution of temporal order in living organisms | Journal of Circadian RhythmsLearn about the bunker experiment to understand the human biological clock | BritannicaGenetic sleep deprivation: using sleep mutants to study sleep functions | EMBO reportsCircadian rhythms and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: The what, the when and the why | Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol PsychiatryInsomnia: Definition, Prevalence, Etiology, and Consequences | Journal of Clinical Sleep MedicineNo Sleep for Japan? Survey Reveals Half of Population May Have Insomnia | Nippon.comWhy Sleep Matters: Quantifying the Economic Costs of Insufficient Sleep | Rand CorporationJapan has some of the longest working hours in the world. It’s trying to change | CNBCAnnouncement of the establishment of the nonpartisan "Parliamentary League to Promote Initiatives for People's Quality Sleep" | Sleeping Council FederationFounder/Director CTO Yasumi Ueda gave a speech at the inaugural general meeting of the nonpartisan "Parliamentary League to Promote Initiatives for People's Quality Sleep" | ACCELStarsFree-running circadian activity rhythms in free-living beaver (Castor canadensis) | Journal of Comparative PhysiologyCredits:Dr. Rackeb TesdayeCurbing death by overwork | Financial TimesWhy does Japan Work So Hard? | CNBC ExplainsWorked to Death: Japan questions high-pressure corporate culture | France 24 EnglishInside Japan’s growing ‘lonely death’ clean-up service | CNN InternationalHow can governments help stop overwork? | The Question | CBC News: The National

We’ve all been there— tempted by the irresistible smell of hot, melty cheese. So what is it about this perfect blend of milk and microbes that keeps us coming back for more? What does cheese do to our brain? Dr. Kaylee Byers and Sarah Lando slice through the science. Resources:1. Is cheese actually addictive? Here's the real science – Salon2. Which Foods May Be Addictive? The Roles of Processing, Fat Content, and Glycemic Load – PLOS ONE3. Cheese really is crack. Study reveals cheese is as addictive as drugs – LA Times4. Science Says Cheese is Basically Cocaine – GQ5. Divergent effects of central melanocortin signalling on fat and sucrose preference in humans – Nature6. Your Genes May Influence What You Like to Eat – Scientific American

This episode was originally released on August 16, 2022In order to seek genomic justice, you have to get out of the lab and into the field.Dr. Kaylee Byers grabs a magnifying glass and a deerstalker cap as she goes to the scene of one of North America’s oldest cold case murder mysteries, the “Babes in the Woods.” This over 70-year-old unsolved case has finally had some closure due to emerging forensic genomic science.But while looking for leads, Dr. Byers spots a bright red thread pointing her to questions about how our genomics are being accessed by law enforcement. How can genomics bring justice to unsolved mysteries? And at what cost are we willing to pay to find answers?Genetic Genealogist, Cece Moore, from ABC’s Prime time series The Genetic Detective helps connect the dots. And partnering with us to get to the bottom of one of Canada’s oldest mysteries is true crime author and podcaster Eve Lazarus from Cold Case Canada.References:Eve Lazarus, Author and PodcasterMurder, Mystery and Intrigue in Review: Babes in the WoodsCece Moore - the DNA DetectiveHow Your Family Tree Could Catch a Killer - The New YorkerGenetics, Law enforcement and crime - Personal Genetics Education ProjectKiller Eludes Police for 31 years - how did one woman find him in two hours? - cbsnewsSeattle man's conviction for 1987 murders of B.C.'s Tanya van Cuylenborg and Jay Cook overturned - CBCThe National DNA Data Bank - The B.C. Civil Liberties AssociationFor nearly 70 years, these 2 murdered boys were known as the 'Babes in the Woods.' Now they finally have names - CBCMaryland V. King - 2013 Supreme Court decision on Maryland DNA Collection ActSupreme Court Upholds Warrantless Collection Of DNA - NPRHow DNA can reunite families - Endeavor DNA Laboratories

Rapid Evolution in the Modern AgeEvolution is like the ultimate slowburn, unfolding over millennia. And in our modern society, where things move so fast, it’s easy to miss this incremental but constant transformation. Not only is evolution happening all around us, in some cases it’s even picking up the pace.In our season finale, our resident superhero, Ratwoman, returns with a new sidekick: The Bat Whisperer. Join Dr. Kaylee Byers and Dr. Cecelia Sánchez as they team up to explore the marvels of rapid evolution– from bats in the Solomon Islands, to modern dating. We’ll meet cave explorer and mammal detective Dr. Tyrone Lavery along with paleontologist and evolutionary biologist Dr. Nick Longrich to unlock predictions for the future, by looking into the past.With unprecedented access to genomic information, we can now remix evolution like never before. But just because we can, does it mean we should?Learn-a-Long: https://bit.ly/4jgbFI2Highlights(5:57) Into the bat cave: tracking evolution in the Solomon Islands with Dr. Lavery(11:18) The peppered moth survival story(20:18) Dr. Longrich explains how humans are evolving in the modern age–Resources:1. Charles Darwin: History’s most famous biologist - Natural History Museum2. Bat Beauty Contest: Vote Now To Crown The Best-Looking Bat Of Them All - Forbes3. Parallel evolution in an island archipelago revealed by genomic sequencing of Hipposideros leaf-nosed bats - Oxford Academic4. Bats Are Going Through a Rare Evolutionary Phenomenon - Newsweek5. The Peppered Moth - Age of Revolution6. A continuous fish fossil record reveals key insights into adaptive radiation - Nature7. Study of 17,000 years of fish fossils reveals rapid evolution - Science.org8. How long does evolution take? It happens on two different timescales- New Scientist9. Future evolution: from looks to brains and personality, how will humans change in the next 10,000 years? - The Conversation10. Ancient Urbanization Predicts Genetic Resistance To Tuberculosis - Oxford Academic

Managing an Invisible DiseaseIs there a Zombie moose on the loose?! Not quite... But there is something lurking in the woods that has our “deer” friends shakin' in their hooves. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a 100% fatal illness that’s creeping its way through cervid populations, and it’s nearly impossible to spot. Luckily, wildlife biologists like our guest Cait Nelson from the BC Ministry of Water, Lands, and Natural Resource Stewardship are on the case.In this episode host Dr. Kaylee Byers and Cait Nelson talk about the clever scientific tools that are helping us track CWD– from grapefruit spoons to genomics! We’ll also hear from Alfred Joseph from the ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation and member of the Ktunaxa Tribe, who explains how CWD is more than just a threat to wildlife, but also has deep implications for community and food sovereignty.Join us on a pun-packed hunt to find out how we can get ahead of this deadly and stubborn disease, one dead head at a time.Special thanks to Jeff Berdusco, CWD Coordinator in the Kootenay region for providing field recordings for this episode.–Highlights(4:46) What is CWD?(13:10) A threat to cultural independence.(17:48) Tracking a silent killer.Learn-along: https://bit.ly/4hersVVResources:1. Chronic Wasting Disease - British Columbia2. To Fight Chronic Wasting Disease, BC Begins to Harvest Deer - The Tyee3. “It’s important to know about this” - risk communication and the impacts of chronic wasting disease on Indigenous food systems in Western Canada - Environmental Science & Policy4. Chronic Wasting Disease: Prevention, Surveillance, and Response - BC Wildlife Federation

Forensic Methods in Disaster RecoveryContent warning: this episode discusses forensic science and the identification of human remains that may not be suited for all audiences.Natural disasters can strike without warning. And when they do, they can leave destruction, displacement, and loss of life in their wake. First responders rush to help those in need, while forensic scientists face the difficult but incredibly important task of identifying human remains– a process known as Disaster Victim Identification (DVI).In this episode, we’re going back to 2004, to the largest DVI event in recent history. Host Dr. Kaylee Byers sits down with Chief Forensic Odontologist Dr. Dirk van der Meer as he shares his first-hand experiences of helping identify victims following the devastating tsunami in Thailand. Then, how are genomics reshaping forensic identification today? We head to Australia to hear from Dr. Dadna Hartman about a new tool that’s offering answers—and closure—to families, faster than ever. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the important and fascinating world of forensic science.–Highlights(6:51) On the scene after the tsunami(16:01) A speedy genomic tool(23:00) Beyond the scienceLearn-a-Long:  https://bit.ly/426bd8YResources:1.2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami: Facts and FAQs- World Vision2. The 10 most significant natural disasters worldwide by death toll from 1950 to 2022- Statista3. Disaster Victim Identification (DVI)- Interpol4. Forensic odontology in DVI: current practice and recent advances- Forensic Sciences Research5. Rapid DNA from a disaster victim identification perspective: Is it a game changer?- Forensic Science International

Rethinking the Divide in Autism DiagnosesDr. Hannah Belcher was already studying autism she found out she herself was Autistic. Getting her diagnosis felt like everything suddenly clicked… but why did it take so long to get answers?In this episode, Hannah shares her journey and talks about how many Autistic people, especially women, learn to mask their true selves to fit in– causing them to slip through the diagnostic cracks. Then, we invite Dr. John Constantino to break down the genetic underpinnings of Autism Spectrum Disoder and related conditions like ADHD—and how science is shaking up the genomic picture of what we thought we knew about this male-female bias.From outdated theories to “refrigerator mothers,” join hosts Dr. Kaylee Byers and Dr. Rackeb Tesfaye as they comb through the tangled web of sex bias and ask whether our current methods of studying neurodiversity is actually addressing the questions the people with ASD want answered?A Note on Language:When talking about Autism - semantics matter. So, it’s important to recognize the nuances of language. Many people in the Autism community prefer identity-first language, such as "Autistic person," as it centers Autism as a core part of their identity. Others, however, may prefer person-first language, like "person with Autism," which places the individual before the condition. We’ve used both forms of language in this episode, and we encourage respecting individual preferences by asking what each person is most comfortable with. For more on this, check out resources like the National Institutes of Health’s guide on writing respectfully about identity and the Autistic Self Advocacy Network’s explanation of identity-first language.Additionally, when we refer to ‘Autism risk’ in the context of academic research, it typically means an increased genetic likelihood of receiving an Autism diagnosis. However, we recognize that "risk" can imply a negative connotation (which we do not support.) Instead, we aim to discuss Autism in ways that honour the neurodiversity of all individuals.Lastly, regarding sex differences in Autism diagnoses, in this episode, we’re talking specifically about sex assigned at birth. Although we mention gender, we want to be clear that we aren’t exploring how Autism diagnoses may vary by gender identity—that area remains understudied! So, our conversation is focused on differences between males and females, and we look forward to seeing more research on the richly complex interactions between gender identitiy and neurodiversity in the future.Highlights:(6:32) Growing up undiagnosed(18:52) The genetic underpinnings of Autism and related neurodiverse conditions(22:20) Debunking the “female protective effect”(26:37) A biased assessmentLearn-A-Long:  https://bit.ly/4g9kCRaResources:1. ‘Taking off the Mask: A Practical Guide for Managing Autistic Camouflaging and Mental Health‘ - Dr. Hannah Belcher2. Inherited Risk for Autism Through Maternal and Paternal Lineage - National Institute of Health3. 'Decade of data dents idea of a ‘female protective effect’- The Transmitter4. How ADHD Gender Bias is Slowly, Steadily Harming Females - ADDitude Mag5. Refrigerator Mothers - A Discredited Cause Of Autism- Autism Help6. Study challenges idea that autism is caused by an overly masculine brain- Science.org7. Autism Spectrum Conditions In Women: Diagnosis, Mental Health, And The Role Of Camouflaging- Research Gate (source?)

The Deceptive Seduction of Femme Fatale FirefliesIn the buzzin’ firefly nightlife scene, neon lights glow bright and sparks fly. But, there’s murder on the dancefloor… The infamous 'Femme Fatale' firefly has mastered the ultimate bait-and-switch seduction strategy, and these sly flies (that are really beetles, actually) aren’t interested in a happily ever after, instead they’re looking for a ‘one-bite stand.’Get consumed in this episode by one of nature’s flashiest insects. Join host, Dr. Kaylee Byers, as she chats with Dr. Sarah Lower about the enchanting world of glow beetles. And later, Dr. Peter Andolfatto reveals how genomics is uncovering the secrets behind how Femme Fatale fireflies have evolved to resort to such drastic measures. Plus, find out what studying firefly toxin DNA could mean for future medical breakthroughs.–Highlights:(5:40) Dr. Sarah Lower covers some firefly basics(12:11) Dr. Lower on the deceptive strategy of the Femme Fatale Fireflies(19:21) Dr. Andolfatto explains how fireflies have evolved difference resistance strategies to toxins(26:02) Dr. Lower on how to get involved in firefly conservation–Learn-A-Long: https://bit.ly/3OODRUb—Resources:1. A Comprehensive Review of Firefly Conservation - NCBI2. Firefly Genome and Its Role in Bioluminescence - Science Advances3. Patterns of Firefly Species Extinction Risk - PNAS Nexus4. Fireflies: Species at Risk of Extinction - Xerces Society5. Sarah Lower - Faculty at Bucknell University - Bucknell University6. Andolfatto Lab - Andolfatto Lab

How genomics is shaping the future of cervical cancer screening[Content Warning: This episode mentions sexual assault and medical trauma.]Nearly 80% of people will get Human Papillomavirus (HPV) at some point in their lives. Even though HPV is super common, the symptoms are often subtle or invisible and can sometimes lead to cervical cancer if left undetected. But thanks to new government initiatives like British Columbia’s (BC) self-screening program, cancer testing is levelling up.In this episode, BC resident Christina Price shares how an easy at-home HPV test helped her catch cancer early. Then, Dr. Aisha Lofters debunks persistent myths about HPV, and explains how these test kits are making screening more accessible, comfortable, and equitable. Join host Dr. Kaylee Byers to find out how this genomic tool is empowering people to take their healthcare into their own hands (literally!), and getting us closer to eliminating cervical cancer for good.If you, or someone you know needs support, you can call 1-800-563-0808 or find Canada-wide resources right here.–Highlights:(4:25) Christina talks about the steps that happen after receiving her result from the at home testing kit.(8:09) Dr. Lofters explains what HPV is, the symptoms and what differentiates different strains of HPV.(15:54) Dr. Lofters explains the two different methods for HPV screening(19:30) Dr. Lofters talk about some of the inequities and social barriers people face when finding and accessing healthcare.–Learn-A-Long: https://bit.ly/3ONBa5i—Resources:1. Human papillomavirus - Women's Health2. Doctors say at-home screening for HPV could be an opportunity to 'eliminate a cancer sooner - CBC News3. New self-screening program will help detect cervical cancer sooner - BC Gov News4. Pap test - Canadian Cancer Society5. When a pelvic exam is traumatic - Harvard Health6. “Doing it on my own terms”: Transgender and nonbinary adults’ experiences with HPV self-swabbing home testing kits - National Library of Medicine