Nice Genes!

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.

Race is not genetic.TW: racism, systemic racismWhat exactly is the relationship between race and genetics? And where do concepts of ancestry and identity enter the conversation? In the realm of genomics, these are myths waiting to be busted.“What does the information stored in our genomes tell us about our past and our present?” Dr. Kaylee Byers and Co-host Dr. Shawn Hercules join forces to break into this fundamental question of science, ancestry and race.  First, they speak with “Genet-SIS” and Executive Producer of the podcast In Those Genes, Dr. Janina Jeff (A.K.A. “Dr.J²”) about how race is really a social construct. Together, they delve into the important distinctions we must make between ancestry and race in order to better understand our biology. Dr. Hercules discusses their research into advanced breast cancer in Caribbean and West African women and how it relates to hereditary genes. This opens the conversation up to how scientists need to be mindful when working with marginalized communities to extract genetic information. Finally, globe-trotting scientist and ancient DNA expert Dr. Eske Willerslev, shares stories of his intercultural journeys to understand human ancestry and migration around the world. Join us for this fascinating episode about race, ancestry, and genomics without borders.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/3zgWKrS Resources:  Analysis of the genomic landscapes of Barbadian and Nigerian women with triple negative breast cancer, Dr. Shawn Hercules In those Genes Podcast, Dr. Janina M. Jeff  Eske Willerslev Is Rewriting History With DNA, The New York Times  The Ancestry and affiliations of Kennewick Man, nature  Racial bias in a medical algorithm favors white patients over sicker black patients, The Washington Post  The promise and peril of the new science of social genomics, nature How Science and Genetics are Reshaping the Race Debate of the 21st Century  Sam Harris, Charles Murray, and the allure of race science  Social Genomics and the Life Course: Opportunities and Challenges for Multilevel Population Research  Race, Ethnicity, and Genomics: Social Classifications as Proxies of Biological Heterogeneity  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How the hunt for wild species leads to eDNAMost of us have a hard-enough time looking for our cell phone chargers in the dark. So imagine trying to find something that’s hidden high in building rafters, deep in muddy bogs, or scattered across endless savannahs. And now, imagine the thing you’re looking for has fangs… and sharp claws.Dr. Kaylee Byers and her wing-woman Dr. Cylita Guy, call-in wildlife conservationist Gabi Fleury to assist in answering, ‘How do you find that which doesn’t want to be found? And should you?’ Globally speaking, does our need to turn over every rock to find vulnerable species really intersect with conservation? Rats, bats, and cheetahs weasel their way into this exciting conversation on how the study of genomics may be the “hopping off point” into a more sustainable future.Also joining us is world famous DNA scientist, professor and globe-trotting adventurer Dr. Eske Willerslev, sharing the secret weapon he pioneered to find some of the world’s most elusive creatures.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/3QlLVue Resources:  Dr.Cylita Guy, Science Storyteller and Educator Spot the Species, game Gabi Fleury - Conservationist, technologist, Researcher What is eDNA Dr. Eske Willerslev, DNA Scientist, Professor and Director of University of Copenhagen’s Centre of Excellence GeoGenetics Diverse Plant and Animal Genetic Records from Holocene and Pleistocene Sediments, Science Identifying twice as many species with eDNA, Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Going out for dinner—The consumption of agriculture pests by bats in urban areas Book: Chasing Bats and Tracking Rats: Urban Ecology, Community Science, and How We Share Our Cities  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can genomics find the perfect antidepressant for your body?[TW:MH,MI]This episode discusses mental health and mental illness. If you, or someone you know, needs support, call the BC Mental Health Support Line at 310-6789 or find Canada-wide resources right here.The world of pharmacology helps a lot of people manage mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. But, frankly, it can often be a bumpy road to discover the right medication for your body.Dr. Kaylee Byers speaks with award-winning Genetic Counselor Dr. Jehannine Austin on how pharmaco-genomics is taking the guesswork out of prescriptions by observing your unique DNA blueprint. Spitting in tubes, traversing the ‘Dark Genome’ and navigating mountains of optimistic (and not so optimistic) data may just hold the key to unlocking the enigmas of genomic science and psychiatry.With special appearances from Behavioral Neuroendocrinologist Dr. Travis Hodges and pharmaco-genomic testing partner Lisa Ridgway, we discuss the lived experiences and behavioral indicators of those living with complex mental health ailments.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/3HGGses Resources: How it Works: What is Pharmacogenetics? Pharmacogenomics for Depression Study Congratulations to Dr. Jehannine Austin, Recipient of $1.5M in Funding to Explore Pharmacogenomic Testing in Clinical Settings BC researchers are exploring the use of genomics to improve drug treatments for people with depression Pharmacogenomics Guided Prescription Changes Improved Medication Effectiveness in Patients With Mental Health-Related Disability: A Retrospective Cohort Analyses The genetics of depression: successful genome-wide association studies introduce new challenges Patterns of Endocrine, Behavioural, and Neural Function Underlying Social Deficits after Social Instability Stress in Adolescent Rats The Mysterious 98%: Scientists Look to Shine Light on Our Dark Genome A Dark Genome Link to Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Genomics? Isn’t that just Genetics? Are we making up words now?”  Look, we get it.'Nice Genes!' host Dr. Kaylee Byers talks with neuroscientist and science communicator Dr. Samantha Yammine (‘Science Sam’) to get the downlow on what “genomics” actually means. They’ll explore extinct species, secret photographs, and the DNA jungle that lies within our brains; all just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to discovering the fabulous possibilities of genomics. Suit up and put your nerd snorkels on, people, because we’re diving in!  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/3Hq4lqM Resources: How the Human Genome Project revolutionized understanding of our DNA Who was involved in the Human Genome Project? Genome Spotlight: Christmas Island Rat (Rattus macleari) Scientists think they could 'de-extinct' the Christmas Island rat. But should they? Giants in genomics: Rosalind Franklin Rosalind Franklin Biography Brain Basics: Genes At Work In The Brain  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From healthcare and biotechnology to forests and fisheries, the evolving study of genomics is leading to some of the most exciting and world-changing discoveries in science and medicine. Like – did you know that your individual genomic signature can help determine the healthcare treatment you receive? Or that mapping the genomes of trees can inform forest management? But while the study of genomics holds great promise for the health of people, animals, and the environment, it also confronts us with big questions: How do we study genetic patterns in a way that respects sensitive genetic information, history and equity? How do we use the power of genomic research to fight climate change? Save the salmon?Join Dr. Kaylee Byers – a self-described “rat detective” and science communicator as she guides you through fascinating conversations about the what, the why, and the how of genomics.Listen to 'Nice Genes!' wherever you get your podcasts, brought to you by Genome British Columbia.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.