Nice Genes!

The podcast discusses the dangers of prolonged sitting and the formation of blood clots. They explore the role of the protein HSP47 in blood clotting during hibernation in brown bears. The downregulation of HSP47 in bears during hibernation and in humans with spinal cord injuries or immobilization is also discussed, with potential benefits for patients requiring extended periods of inactivity.

Dr. Aria Hahn, a scientist specializing in repairing environmental damage, discusses the potential of microbes in creating renewable resources and repairing areas devastated by the climate crisis. Dr. Christian Rinke shares his discovery of a wriggly solution to plastic pollution. The podcast explores the vital role of microbes, their use in the mining industry, and their ability to degrade plastic. It also highlights the scope of the plastic pollution issue and the importance of collective action.

Scientists discuss the potential dangers of ancient viruses being released from the Arctic permafrost due to climate change. They explore the challenges of tracking and understanding the evolution of diseases. The podcast emphasizes the importance of data sharing, collaboration, and proactive measures in disease preparedness.

Dr. Shayle Matsuda, a marine biologist, discusses the effects of environmental stresses on coral reefs. Acoustic inventions and genomics are explored to restore and monitor coral reefs. The significance of kelp forests, coral diversity, and collaborative efforts in conservation are also discussed.

This podcast explores the mysteries of the ocean depths, including the unique songs of whales and their cultural exchange. It delves into the quest to find the 'Loneliest Whale' and the artistic creations inspired by its story. The impact of increased noise on marine mammals and their evolutionary history are also discussed.

In this Halloween-inspired episode, they explore de-extinction and the resurrection of extinct species. They discuss the history and extinction of the Tasmanian tiger, efforts to save Tasmanian devils from extinction and reintroduce them to the wild. They also delve into the use of genomics in understanding diverse species, the origins of the Thylocene project, and the importance of conservation genetics in protecting the planet.

Protecting Local Wildlife Icons What do you get when you cross a polar bear and a grizzly… and why should you care?In this episode of Nice Genes!, host Dr. Kaylee Byers and National Geographic explorer Dr. Christine Wilkinson look into the mysterious case of pizzly bears, a rare hybrid between polar bears and grizzlies. Together they speak with Dr. David Paetkau, whose team unravelled this strange genomic crossbreeding after receiving more and more sightings coming from the Arctic Circle. Is this hybridization occurring because of climate change? They also speak with Wiuikinuxv scientist Jennifer Walkus, who gained local notoriety for her efforts in ending the trophy hunt of grizzly bears in British Columbia. Special thanks to Gaelen Krause, Captain of the Island Odyssey with Bluewater Adventures and Ellie Lamb, Naturalist and Hiking Guide.Click here for this episode's Learn-A-Long!Resources:1. Lions, tigers, and Whatsitbears | zoohistories.com: 2. Recent Hybridization between a Polar Bear and Grizzly Bears in the Canadian Arctic | JSTOR3. Arctic hybrids not a good sign, warn scientists | Canadian Broadcast Corporation (CBC)4. "Bears Teach Us" -- Sharing With All Our Relations | Watershed Sentinel 5. DNA analysis of grizzly bears aligns with Indigenous languages | raincoast.org: 6. How Indigenous Knowledge is helping to protect Canada's grizzlies | National Geographic7. Pizzly or grolar bear: grizzly-polar hybrid is a new result of climate change | The Guardian8. Province ends controversial grizzly bear trophy hunt | Global News9. Glacial ice supports a distinct and undocumented polar bear subpopulation persisting in late 21st-century sea-ice conditions | Science10. Sockey salmon collapse due to lack of food, study says | Canadian Broadcast Corporation (CBC)11. One Health Basics | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Species loss, warming temperatures, and pollution are just the tip of the iceberg concerning the challenges of climate change. Oh, and you can forget about that iceberg... because it's melting too. The point is, it's easy to feel down on our luck on this planet we all know and love. But what if we don't have to feel that way?On Season 2 of Nice Genes! we look into the incredible science, bold missions, and brainy ideas that give us hope for the spinning rock we call home. Through tools like genomics and confronting big ethical questions, we can see a glimmer of a brighter tomorrow.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Kaylee Byers investigates the 70-year-old 'Babes in the Woods' cold case, using genomic science to bring justice. The ethical implications of law enforcement accessing personal genomics are explored. Genetic genealogy helps solve a double murder cold case, raising questions about public response to DNA use in forensic genealogy. The discovery and identification of the Dalton children sheds light on privacy practices and potential suspects. The hosts discuss the plausibility of the mother being the culprit and acknowledge guest speakers.

Just like any good superhero comic, we start this episode with the science going incredibly wrong. Think: vats of toxic waste producing evil mutants that ravage the city. Or maybe not so evil. It really depends on your perspective. Just like the X-men, genetic mutations get a bad rap in the public eye. But they aren’t all nasty.Dr. Kaylee Byers speaks with data scientist and evolutionary biologist Dr. Brian Arnold on how the genetic ‘mistakes’ known as variants occasionally encode incredible abilities. Odd elephants, immortality hiding in our ocean depths, and Rogue-ish bacteria are just a few examples. Dr. Arnold defends these genetic anomalies, and explains how they can make a huge difference to the future of humanity and life on this planet. Also joining us is marine biologist Dr. Maria Pia Miglietta, who shares an incredible ability sitting in our ocean depths. Immortality.So strap on your capes, because we’re heading straight into the strange terrain of “heroic mutations.” Listen to Nice Genes! wherever you get your podcasts, brought to you by Genome British Columbia.Check out this episode's Learn-A-Long at the following link: https://bit.ly/3bey4XT Resources:  Genetic Mutation - Nature Genomic mutation rates: What high-throughput methods can tell us Shane Campbell Staton Group - Tuskless Elephants Ivory poaching and the rapid evolution of tusklessness in African elephants - Science Real-Life X-Men: How CRISPR Could Give You Superpowers in the Future - synthego.com Indonesian divers have evolved bigger spleens to hunt underwater - Science Mutations may reveal how Tibetans can live on world's highest plateau - Science The Immortal Jellyfish - American Museum of Natural History Cellular reprogramming and immortality: Expression profiling reveals putative genes involved in Turritopsis dohrnii’s life cycle reversal Transcriptome Characterization of Reverse Development in Turritopsis dohrnii (Hydrozoa, Cnidaria) Horizontal gene transfer and adaptive evolution in bacteria - nature reviews microbiology Horizontal gene transfer overrides mutation in Escherichia coli colonizing the mammalian gut - PNAS The Ship of Theseus Dilemma - Open Okstate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.