Finding Genius Podcast

Could the study of cancer epigenetics lead to new, specific, and more effective drug therapies for cancer? Manel Esteller, MD, PhD seems to think it could. Press play to learn about his research and discover:   Whether changing your diet could cause epigenetic changes that protect you from cancer How to use epigenetic marks as a tool for identifying sites of primary tumors What can be said about the relationship between chemotherapy and cancer epigenetics How one tumor type can transform into another, and what this has to do with immune system evasion  Director of the Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute (IJC), Dr. Manel Esteller, and his team are tackling the study of cancer epigenetics from a number of angles, such as by looking at the epigenomic changes of cancer cells, examining the interactions between epigenetic modification and non-coding RNAs, and developing new epigenetic drug therapies for cancer. Dr. Esteller starts with the basics: how epigenetic marks occur, and which types are the most well-understood. Then he dives a bit deeper, explaining the features and significance of different types of epigenetic modifications, and how they manifest in primary tumors and metastasis. For instance, while cancer cells exhibit an overall decrease in DNA methylation, there is simultaneous hypermethylation at specific sites—namely, where there are anticancer genes. This is an epigenetic change which leads to metastasis, the cause of most cancer-related deaths.   He also explains how an imbalance of proteins that regulate epigenetic settings can lead to the development of cancer, and just how such an imbalance arises. He explores the differences between cancer epigenetics of tumors in children vs. adults, how primary tumors adapt to different conditions and change their DNA methylation profile in order to successfully metastasize, what is known about the epigenetics of otherwise healthy tissues that surround tumors, the mechanism of tumor transdifferentiation for evading cancer drug therapies, how  drugs targeting particular DNA modifications could slow the ageing process and serve as an effective treatment for cancer, and so much more. For all the details on these exciting new research insights, tune in now. To learn more about Dr. Esteller’s work, visit https://www.carrerasresearch.org/en/cancer-epigenetics_124284. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK

Can we ever truly prepare ourselves for the next war? How can new technological advancements be effectively countered when the next technology is always just around the bend? David Olney, Defence and Security Studies Expert and Associate Lecturer of Politics and International Relations (POLIR) at the University of Adelaide sheds light on the stakes and the everchanging nature of modern warfare. Listen to learn about: Sociological perspectives on war in the modern age The evolution of counter terrorism strategies Philosophies of violence and civil-military relations theory Post-9/11 conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan changed the definition of modern war across the entire world. Can a professional, ethical modern military ever prevail in counter terrorism measures when faced with the opposition of lawless terrorist organizations? How does the growing prevalence of ultra-violence in conventional warfare affect the already crippling rate of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and moral injury in today’s soldiers? World powers like China and Russia continue to abandon direct physical conflict in favor of heavily investing in cyber warfare, intelligence tactics, economic warfare, and operations other than war. Private security companies are now fulfilling traditional military roles across the globe, creating a system of violence for hire and inviting the dodging of accountability. Is this bound to become the way of the future? We are living on a planet where vital resources become more limited each and every day. War over the remaining resources is inevitable, but that war will not necessarily look the way war has ever looked in the past. Strategy and applied critical thinking now prevail over brute force. Can the world’s main military forces adjust accordingly? David shares his knowledgeable insights on the past, present, and future of war and its effects on military members, civilians, and civil-military relations. For more information visit https://davidolney.com.au/ Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK

Are we alone in the universe? Society’s popular view on the possibility of life existing on other planets has completely reversed over the past few decades, but is there any real evidence of extraterrestrial life out there? Paul Davies, author of the upcoming book What’s Eating the Universe and Other Cosmic Mysteries along with 30 other titles, shares his exciting research. Tune in to discover: The role of Mars in interplanetary exploration What the nature of time and space means for the likelihood of life beyond Earth The way physics in cancer treatment could change modern medicine’s approach to the disease Paul is a professor at Arizona State University and a theoretical cosmologist. As Director of the BEYOND: Center for Fundamental Concepts in Science, the Center for the Convergence of Physical Sciences and Cancer Biology, and Co-Director of the ASU Cosmology Initiative, his work in the field of cosmology physics is expansive. From cancer treatment to alien life forms and black holes facts, the study of physics reigns supreme. In combination with Immunotherapy and Information Theory, physics could be the missing element in modern cancer research and treatment development. What if it were possible to develop a treatment for cancer that prevented spread and provided a route to healthy management of the disease? Emerging science suggests that a future in which cancer can managed as part of a happy, healthy lifestyle, the same way Diabetes can, could be right around the corner. Professor Davies, along with his colleagues and students, leads the way in changing the world through dedication to the development and advancement of science. To learn more about the world of physical science and cancer biology visit http://cosmos.asu.edu/ Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK

Should ants be considered unsightly pests or ecological saviors? Before you decide to eradicate the ant hills from your backyard, take the time to learn about the ecological role of insects in their local ecosystems and the benefits of keeping ants in yours. Listen to expand your knowledge on: The difference between indigenous and invasive ants species How ants see, walk, hear, communicate and other fascinating ants facts The striking similarities between ant and human social behaviors Professor and Ant Scientist, Andrew Suarez specializes in ant biology and psychology. His research on ants sheds light upon this commonly misunderstood and even villainized insect. Andrew’s lab focuses on bio-inspired design, which boils down to observing organisms in nature and adapting their approaches to work, survival, and life for potential human use. Exploring the ants habitat and turning their intricate design processes into human innovations could lead to countless breakthroughs in an unforeseen number of industries. Entomology and forensics working together can create small connections that add up to the big picture of human survival and advancement. The variations seen in different types of ants offer a unique perspective on the evolution of social interactions and physical adaptations that can apply to larger organisms and even to human beings. The future of ant research is an exciting prospect. How do ants recognize and communicate with one another? How does an ant instinctively know what its job is within its colony and how to perform it? What if ants are the secret to decoding the future of human evolution? Professor Suarez leads the way in recognizing the questions and finding the answers to how these ecologically flexible insects can both inspire and educate us. To learn more about the study of ants visit https://sib.illinois.edu/suarez/ Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK

Out with the old, in with the new COVID-19 virus detection method? A faster, more cost-effective, and more sensitive test may soon replace the status quo. Press play to discover: How to deactivate the covid-19 virus without destroying the outer spike proteins, and how to test whether it’s truly been deactivated How this novel detection method discriminates between specific viruses and other particles in the body How soon this COVID-19 virus detection method could be available for commercial use Brian T. Cunningham is a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and for the past several months, he’s been working on a novel detection method for the COVID-19 virus that’s faster and more sensitive than the PCR test. How does it work? The method uses engineered nucleic acid molecules that can bind to the spike proteins on the surface of the COVID-19 virus, and capture the virus on a nanostructured surface called a photonic crystal. When light is shined on this surface, the scattering between the light and virus particles is amplified, which then allows for a special microscope to immediately count the number of virus particles present. The COVID-19 virus is detected by virtue of the unique shadow it casts when light is scattered off its surface. Initially, this method had actually been published for the detection of the Zika virus, and when COVID-19 hit, Cunningham and his team began adapting the method to detect the COVID-19 virus. The same method is also being used for HIV viral load monitoring, which is a proposal that’s recently been funded by the NIH. A paper submitted to Nature Communications detailing the method was just accepted, which means it will soon be published and available to the public. Press play for all the details and visit http://nano.illinois.edu/ to learn more.

Could artificial intelligence be used in clinical drug trials? Is AI really capable of making the overall process easier and allowing the advancement of medical science, bringing cutting-edge treatment options to patients? AI in healthcare may sound like science fiction, but thanks to Charles Fisher, Ph.D., and his company, Unlearn.ai, it is now quickly becoming a reality. Listen to discover: The types of clinical trials that are becoming possible using artificial intelligence How clinical trials and artificial intelligence can shorten the timeline of the federal drug approval process The affects of the COVID-19 pandemic on recent clinical drug trials Unlearn.ai was founded as a way to invest in developing agenda-free and accessible machine learning and artificial intelligence in medical field applications. This primarily takes place in the form of intelligent clinical trials utilizing what is called a “digital twin”, which allows a personalized glimpse into the future for patients to assist them with choosing between multiple treatment options. The more data that is entered into these digital models over time, the more accurate and accessible the approaches to intelligent trials will become. Recruiting people to participate in all clinical trials phases has always been incredibly difficult. Now, the restrictions of the pandemic have made it nearly impossible. Using artificial intelligence technology in clinical trials can reduce the number of participants required to acquire the same amount of accurate data about a drug’s safety, success rate, and side effects. In fact, entire control groups can be eliminated and replaced by simulations, improving efficiency across the board. The accelerated clinical trials of coronavirus vaccine drugs raise many questions from the medical community and the public alike about the efficiency of the current practices around drug trials and approvals. Charles and Unlearn.ai are ready to move into the next phase of medical technological advancement and change the way clinical trials are performed now and well into the future. To learn more, visit https://www.unlearn.ai/ Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK

What if it were possible to use the science behind evolution and cancer to develop highly personalized cancer medications capable of targeting cancerous tissue while leaving healthy tissue unaffected? Steve Gullans, former Chief Executive Officer of Gemphire Therapeutics and co-author of Evolving Ourselves: Redesigning the Future of Humanity- One Gene at a Time, tells us that not only is it possible, it is happening right now. Tune in to learn: How cancer treatments have evolved over the past several decades The way modern cancer medications can attack tumors without damaging healthy tissue The role of cancer evolution in the development of new immune system-based cancer treatments Steve, a one-time Harvard Scientist, now uses his knowledge of both cancer evolution and immune system science to advise biotech companies on the medical science needed to advance cancer therapy treatment options from toxic to targeted. One major roadblock to these new immune therapy cancer drugs is the high price of manufacturing them and distributing them to pharmacies and cancer patients. The living cells that are required to create effective anti-bodies are difficult to transport and to store and require constant below-freezing temperatures to survive. Once the manufacturing, storage, and use of these technologies is finally scaled to a mainstream level, will they go on to be used to treat other devastating medical conditions in addition to cancer? Cancer and evolutionary biology must go hand in hand in order to make a real impact on standard treatments and survival rates. Over the past two years, 50 new cancer drugs have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Steve expects to see that number reach 100 per year within the next decade and shares how these rapid advances tie in with the current worldwide pandemic and the controversial COVID-19 vaccine. For more information, follow Steve Gullan on TED: https://www.ted.com/profiles/250736 Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK

"Here you have to look for ants, but in the rainforest, they find you," says Professor McGlynn, as he describes his efforts to make it to a Costa Rican field house for research on ants. He tells listeners about some of the fascinating ant behaviors he discovers there as Finding Genius continues investigating the ecological roles of insects. Listen and learn What tools of entomology and forensics he practices to find out more about ant habitats, such as why one species changes nests every few days; What interesting ant facts reveal themselves through ecological roles and interactions; and What questions ant scientists investigate regarding types of ants in the desert as climate change insures their homes will be the hottest on our planet. Ecologist, entomologist, and science policy communicator Terry McGlynn is a professor of biology and the director of undergraduate research at California State University—Dominguez Hills. As a colleague once described, he studies the "experimental natural history" of ant species. Listeners are treated to delightful details such as the leafcutter's agricultural efforts and the curious case of the rotating nests of one species. He also describes the predatory habits of army ants and the sting of the bullet ants. Most of his research takes place at a field house in Costa Rica that has been in place since the '60s. We are able to get a tour of how such field houses function and cater to different scientists from all over the world. It happens to be prime ant location, and one researcher has identified at least 427 different ant species in the surrounding rainforest. In fact, ants play a role in almost every ecological system in the forest, from eating and protecting plants, to turning over and cycling the soil and dispersing seeds. They have several tricks of their own, including the ability to fixate nitrogen sources for their own use. These essential roles are one reason Professor McGlynn is turning solid attention toward understanding how climate change may affect ants, and desert species in particular. For more about his work, see leaflitter.org. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK

"A tumor is certainly smarter than humans," says researcher Jyotsna Batra, discussing the ability of some tumors to change behaviors and progress through mutations. But she and other researchers are doing their best to utilize genome-wide associated studies to understand the genetic basis of stages of carcinogenesis. Listen and learn How her lab has identified 150 risk variants associated with prostate cancer, Why matching these variants with the aggressiveness and metastases of disease is an important step, How they must take into account the role of heterogeneity in these stages of research, and Why it's vital when assessing carcinogenesis and oncogenesis to combine multiple diagnostic methods, like PSA tests alongside genetic tests, to better understand potential for disease progression. Jyotsna Batra is an associate professor with the Faculty of Health and School of Biomedical Sciences at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). She works in genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology and is currently focusing on prostate cancer research. Her lab has recently joined a large prostate cancer consortium known as the Practical Consortium led by the Institute of Cancer Research in London. This teaming up offers the world a major cooperative workforce undertaking genome-wide association studies to understand the genetic basis of cancer. She describes one of her major projects: a germ-line study involving chip technology that has allowed her to identify 150 risk variants associated with prostate cancer risk. As Richard asks about possible directions prostate cancer research could take, she illustrates the challenges and breakthroughs, from the role of heterogeneity as research progresses to what liquid biopsies can offer.Her work with biomarkers is directed at identifying aggressiveness as she looks at plasma and blood for secretory tumor cells and microRNAs. She is able to give a succinct reason for why prostate cancer might evade treatment, namely the possibilities of multiple origins for a tumor as well as developed resistance to drugs. Finally she shares an important finding from her lab involving what diagnostic tests should be combined. Listen in for more about this exciting and life-saving work. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK

Most cancer therapies focus on killing cells, but researcher Gabor Balazsi is trying a different approach: he's creating gene circuits to change cancer cell behavior. He takes listeners through this imaginative approach for altering the direction of cancer progression. Listen and learn How these circuits might work after an early cancer detection test to prevent metastases, What the step-by-step processes of these circuits include, How he addresses concerns of gene circuits gone wild, and What are additional possible applications including virus treatment. Gabor Balazsi is the Henry Laufer Professor and a physical and quantitative biology professor within the Biomechanical Engineering Department at Stony Brook University. Cancer researchers meet that resounding question—can cancer be cured—from multiple disciplines, and he applies a biomechanical approach. He's working on a method to control cancer cells by inserting them with human-built artificial gene circuits. The circuits are designed to control the cells and make them "better behaved." Here's how it works: these gene circuits consists of two simple genes, a commander and actuator, and their usual products such as mRNA. The circuit hooks onto a cancer cell and a scientist "talks" to the commander through chemical means. The commander then gives directions to the actuator, which changes the cell's behavior. Professor Balazsi answers Richard's questions about controlling the circuits so they don't cause harmful effects, addresses issues of extracellular vesicles, and describes how and where exactly the gene circuit hooks in to the cancer cell. Ideally, these circuits would play a role in a cancer prevention and early detection program or with early cancer symptoms and diagnosis to prevent cells from mestasizing. Listen in for more details about this intriguing research into a new method for battling cancer. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK