Nice Genes!

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like ADHD—and how science is shaking up the genomic picture of what we thought we knew about this male-female bias.From outdated theories to “refrigerator mothers,” join hosts Dr.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

The hidden battle between medicine and microbes Since the discovery of penicillin in 1928, antibiotics have been our frontline defence against bacterial infections. But this revolutionary medicine is losing ground in the fight. Today, Antimicrobial resistance has become one of the biggest threats to human health– and the stakes only getting higher.But don’t panic, hope is on the horizon!In this episode, host Dr. Kaylee Byers takes you on a journey of petri dishes, mouldy melons, and artifical intelligence to investigate our best hopes of curbing antibiotic resistance. She chats with Dr. Rylan Duivenstein about what’s happening in hospitals, and Dr. Nadine Ziemert about using genomics to help find new antibiotics before we run out of options.—Highlights:(01:37) Mark is faced with the possibility of Necrotizing Fasciitis.(04:32) Kaylee teaches us about the discovery of antibiotics.(08:05) Dr. Ryland Duivenstein explains how antibiotics work.(20:37) Dr. Nadine Ziemert explains how genomics is helping us discover new antibiotics.—Learn-A-Long: https://bit.ly/4eGsTeX—Resources:1. Antibiotics: past, present and future - ScienceDirect2. The real story behind penicillin - PBS NewsHour3. The Forgotten Mother of Penicillin - Science History Institute4. Alexander Fleming (1881–1955): Discoverer of penicillin - NCBI5. Alexander Flemming Nobel Lecture Speech - Nobel Prize6. How can we solve the antibiotic resistance crisis? - Gerry Wright7. WHO - Antimicrobial Resistance - World Health Organization (WHO)8. WHO updates list of drug-resistant bacteria most threatening to human health - World Health Organization (WHO)9. Ziemert Lab - Translational Genome Mining for Natural Products - University of Tübingen

Separating Skincare Science Fact from FictionCould your skincare be hiding more than just a few blemishes? Or, is the word “toxic” getting a li’l too much attention these days… You may have heard the buzz about endocrine-disrupting compounds that silently interfere with our hormones. But with so much misinformation online fueling the fear-fire, it’s hard to know what’s really harmful and what’s all hype.In our ‘Nice Genes!’ season 4 opener, host Dr. Kaylee Byers re-joins forces with the one and only Dr. Samantha Yammine (aka Science Sam) to clear up some of the confusion surrounding cosmetic safety. With help from environmental toxicologist Dr. Isabelle Plante, we’re un(face)masking the science of dosage and exposure to decode cosmetic formulas and why it's more complex than TikTok would have you think!—Highlights:(06:55) Dr. Plante Defines Endocrine disruptors.(16:43) Dr. Plante talks about the relationship between endocrine disruptors and health concerns.(26:38) Science Sam highlights the important role of regulation.—Learn-A-Long: https://bit.ly/3ZAZHBf—Resources:1. Clean Beauty Is Wrong and Won’t Give Us Safer Products - Lab Muffin2. Parabens in Cosmetics - U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)3. Parabens and Breast Cancer - Breast Cancer UK4. The Association between Paraben Exposure and Human Health - MDPI5. Parabens, Fragrance, Colorants, Talc: Debunking Bobby Parrish’s TikTok Misinformation - Lab Muffin6. Endocrine Disruptors - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)7. Chapter: Parabens in Cosmetics - SpringerLink8. Environmental Exposure to Parabens and Health Effects - Nature9. Canadian Institute for Environmental Assessment - CIAPE ICEDA

…98, 99, 100! Ready or not, here we come with a brand new season of 'Nice Genes!' Science is like a game of hide and seek, and genomics is one of its stealthiest players, challenging us to uncover its "see-crets".Join host Dr. Kaylee Byers for Season 4 of Nice Genes! where we shine an ultraviolet light on the hidden forces that shape our world– and investigate the genomic questions you didn’t even know you had. Like, is “clean beauty” worth the hype? Can genomics help solve the looming threat of antibiotic resistance? And WTF (what the fawn) is chronic wasting disease?!Get ready for eye-opening episodes that are helping make the invisible, visible– with genomics! Because sometimes, the most exciting scientific questions are hidden in plain sight. 

Scientists have reversed a mutation causing blindness in mice using gene editing technology. Research in Wuhan, China shows promise in restoring vision. Mice with retinitis pigmentosa benefited from gene editing, offering hope for human treatment.

How Deleted DNA Reveals the Origins of HumanityIn 2007, researchers pitted humans against chimpanzees in a memory test competition. Who was the victor of this mental jungle gym? Phoebe Melvin and Dr. Kaylee Byers delve into Yale University research that reveals what DNA humans share with our primate relatives but, more intriguingly, what sets us apart.References:Mankind’s Missing Puzzle Pieces: The “Deleted” Genes That Made Us Human | Yale UniversityChimps Beat Humans on Memory Tasks | ABC NewsCredits:ABC News, Chimps vs Humans | ABC News & laffsteve

How an Oddball Bunny Saved Millions of LivesCan a make-believe tale have real-life consequences? Perhaps a 1930s legend from a snowy town in Wyoming illustrates signals just how the strange things found in nature can become life-saving treatments.References:Are jackalopes real? | Live ScienceNew Research Shows the HPV Cancer Vaccine Saves Lives | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterCredits:The Legend Of Bigfoot | Internet Archive (CC)Somewhere In Wyoming 1930 Joe Green Orchestra | Internet Archive (CC)

Meet the Magic of Mushrooms on Colour BlindnessRoughly 300 million people have a colour vision deficiency. But with a few mushrooms and some magic, those who experience colourblindness might be able to see a whole range of colors for the first time.References:Magic Mushrooms seem to have a strange effect on color blindness | Science AlertIshihara test: Color Blind Test | ColormaxWhat is LSD | Science AlertCase report: Prolonged amelioration of mild red-green color vision deficiency following psilocybin mushroom use | Drug Science, Policy and LawImproved colour blindness symptoms associated with recreational psychedelic use: Results from the Global Drug Survey 2017 | Drug Science, Policy and Law