de-CIPHERing Infectious Disease

Ticks and their Tricks with Dr. Rafael Viera

Episode 9

In the final episode of Season 1, we dive into the fascinating world of ticks, pathogens, and global health with Dr. Rafael Vieira, a self-proclaimed "pathogen hunter" from UNC Charlotte. From the depths of the Amazon to the labs of North Carolina, Dr. Vieira takes us on a thrilling journey through his groundbreaking research on vector-borne diseases. Discover why your next eco-tourism adventure might be riskier than you think, and how climate change is reshaping the landscape of infectious diseases. Dr. Vieira shares hair-raising tales of tick collection, the excitement of discovering new bacteria, and his mission to bridge health gaps in sub-Saharan Africa. This episode is a gripping exploration of the intricate dance between humans, animals, and our environment – and why understanding this connection might just save us from the next pandemic.

Find out more at cipher.charlotte.edu.

 

Key Takeaways

• There's more to tick-borne illnesses than just Lyme disease. Dr. Vieira's research has uncovered several new bacteria and pathogens, highlighting the need for broader awareness and research.
• Activities like eco-tourism, illegal animal trafficking, and deforestation can have far-reaching consequences on the spread of vector-borne diseases across continents.
• Climate change is altering the distribution patterns of ticks and other disease vectors, potentially exposing new populations to these threats.
• Dr. Vieira's work in sub-Saharan Africa underscores the value of international partnerships in addressing global health issues and nurturing the next generation of scientists in developing countries.
• By studying emerging pathogens and disease patterns, Dr. Vieira and his colleagues are working to stay ahead of potential outbreaks, potentially preventing future epidemics or pandemics.

This podcast was produced and edited by Zack Jackson
CIPHER is a proud part of UNC Charlotte who holds all rights to the content created by this podcast

Unraveling the Virosphere with Dr. Richard Allen White III

Episode 8

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Richard Allen White III, a pioneering computational and molecular virologist at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Inspired by a 90's movie and captivated by the world of viruses, Dr. White takes us on a journey through his unique career path, from the first class that hooked him to his current groundbreaking research.

In this episode, Dr. White discusses the fascinating realm of virology, shedding light on the unseen universe of viruses that inhabit our world. We delve into the critical role viruses play in our ecosystems, their impact on human health, and the cutting-edge field of phage therapy—a potential game-changer in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Whether you're a science enthusiast or simply curious about the microscopic entities that shape our lives, this episode promises to be an engaging and informative listen. Don't miss out on Dr. White's expert insights and captivating stories from the front lines of virology.

Find out more at cipher.charlotte.edu.

 

Key Takeaways

• Viruses are abundant and play a crucial role in ecosystems, impacting human health and the environment.
• Phage therapy, the use of viruses to treat bacterial infections, shows promise in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
• Computational biology, including AI, is revolutionizing the study of viruses and their interactions.
• Studying microbial mats, such as those found in the NASA CSA project Mars Life, provides insights into the evolution of ecosystems and the potential for bioconcrete production. Keystone species play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and the health of ecosystems.
• Mentorship and teaching entrepreneurial skills are important for students' success and future career paths.

This podcast was produced and edited by Zack Jackson
CIPHER is a proud part of UNC Charlotte who holds all rights to the content created by this podcast

Infoveillance with Dr. Shi Chen

Episode 7

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Shi Chen, a renowned expert in infectious diseases and health informatics. Dr. Chen shares his fascinating journey from catching bugs in the countryside to tackling global health crises. We dive into his research on big data analytics, epidemic modeling, and the spread of misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover how public health communication can improve and the surprising similarities between the spread of diseases and digital misinformation. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the future of health informatics and combating misinformation.

 

Find out more at cipher.charlotte.edu.

 

Key Takeaways

• Shi Chen's interest in science began with his fascination with animals and bugs as a child.
• He later focused on infectious disease modeling and research in big data analytics, health informatics, and mathematical modeling.
• Infoveillance is a surveillance method that monitors public opinions and sentiments on the internet to detect potential outbreaks and misinformation.
• Effective health communication is crucial in addressing public health concerns, and the impact of misinformation on vaccination rates for diseases like COVID-19 and MMR is a lasting concern. The scenario modeling hub is a collaborative effort to standardize data and assumptions for modeling the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Artificial intelligence has automated data collection and analysis in epidemiology and allows for the integration of high-dimensional datasets.
• Dealing with social and political aspects of disease outbreaks, such as misinformation and discrimination, is a challenge.
• Epidemiologists use data mapping to understand spatial and temporal heterogeneities and inform public health decisions.

 

This podcast was produced and edited by Zack Jackson
CIPHER is a proud part of UNC Charlotte who holds all rights to the content created by this podcast

Microbial Oceanography with Dr. Elaine Luo

Episode 6

Join us as we dive deep into the world of microbial oceanography with Dr. Elaine Luo, an expert who turned her fascination with "Finding Nemo" into a groundbreaking career. In this episode, Elaine shares her journey from an intrigued middle schooler to leading a cutting-edge research lab at UNC Charlotte. Discover the wonders of metagenomics, the significance of ocean microbes in our ecosystem, and thrilling tales from research vessels exploring the mysteries of the deep sea. Whether you’re a science enthusiast or just curious about the unseen world beneath the waves, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into the vital role microbes play in our planet’s health.

 

Find out more at cipher.charlotte.edu.

 

Key Takeaways

• Metagenomics is a powerful tool for studying microbial communities in the ocean.
• Research vessels play a crucial role in collecting samples for microbial oceanography.
• Collaboration and team science are essential in advancing scientific knowledge.
• Understanding the role of microbes in the ocean has implications for climate regulation and the search for extraterrestrial life.

 

This podcast was produced and edited by Zack Jackson
CIPHER is a proud part of UNC Charlotte who holds all rights to the content created by this podcast

Phyloinformatics with Dr. Denis Jacob Machado

Episode 5

In this episode, we interview Dr. Denis Jacob Machado, a trailblazing phylogeneticist and bioinformaticist at UNC Charlotte. Denis shares his incredible journey from selling onions as a 12-year-old to studying poison dart frogs, sharks, and viruses. He reveals how he harnesses artificial intelligence and big data to predict pandemics and repurpose FDA-approved drugs, making groundbreaking strides in the intersection of biology and computer science. Tune in for a captivating conversation on the future of science and technology!

 

Find out more at cipher.charlotte.edu.

 

Key Takeaways

• Denis Jacob Machado combines biology and informatics in his work as a phylogeneticist and bioinformaticist.
• He fell in love with phylogenetic systematics and the challenges of working with large data sets.
• Denis processes public data and collaborates with other researchers to answer pressing questions in human health.
• Artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in drug discovery, helping to optimize the selection of potential compounds. The Phyloinformatics Lab focuses on studying the evolution and interaction of various organisms, including viruses, through the use of phylogenetics.
• Collaboration with diverse researchers and experts is essential for addressing complex scientific questions and finding innovative solutions.
• Research on SARS-CoV-2 variants and other pathogens can provide insights into their evolution, spread, and potential treatments.
• Surprising research findings can challenge existing assumptions and lead to new discoveries.
• The lab's goals include contributing to the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases and creating solutions for better access to biological repositories.

This podcast was produced and edited by Zack Jackson
CIPHER is a proud part of UNC Charlotte who holds all rights to the content created by this podcast

Plant Pathology with Dr. Morgan Carter

Episode 4

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Dr. Morgan Carter, a passionate plant pathologist and academic, to explore the immune systems of plants. Dr. Carter shares her journey into the field, discussing the challenges and triumphs of studying plant-microbe interactions. We delve into the impact of governmental policies on scientific research and the importance of science communication. It was a wonderful conversation, and we think you're going to love it. 

 

Find out more at cipher.charlotte.edu.

 

Key Takeaways

• Plant pathology is the study of how plants have immune systems and interact with pathogens.
• Understanding bacterial-fungal interactions in plants is crucial for plant health in agriculture and the environment.
• Morgan Carter's lab focuses on molecular host-bacterial-fungal interactions and conducts both wet lab experiments and computational analysis.
• Fungi have various benefits, including their role in food production and their symbiotic relationships with plants.
• The concept of One Health emphasizes the integration of different fields to address health risks.
• Research findings can sometimes challenge preconceived notions and highlight the role of evolution in shaping organisms.
• Engaging in policy discussions and outreach is crucial for ensuring that scientific research is used effectively and that regulations are informed by scientific knowledge.
• Creating a supportive and inclusive environment for students, prioritizing mentorship, and recognizing the importance of work-life balance are essential for a successful academic career.
• Leaving a legacy in academia involves not only making scientific discoveries but also mentoring and supporting future scientists.

This podcast was produced and edited by Zack Jackson
CIPHER is a proud part of UNC Charlotte who holds all rights to the content created by this podcast

Marine Biology with Dr. Adam Reitzel

Episode 3

In this episode, host Dr. Ian Binns interviews Dr. Adam Reitzel, a marine biologist and co-director of CIPHER at UNC Charlotte. Dr. Reitzel discusses what sparked his early interest in science, his journey into becoming a marine biologist despite growing up far from the ocean, and the fascinating world of sea anemones that are the focus of his research. He shares insights into the inner workings of his lab, the importance of mentorship, examples of surprising research findings, and how his work connects to the mission of predicting health and environmental risks through CIPHER. The conversation covers topics like host-microbe interactions, biodiversity, science communication, and the potential future role of AI in understanding and protecting the oceans. 

 

Find out more at cipher.charlotte.edu.

 

Key Takeaways

• The impact of a mentor can be pivotal in shaping a career in science.
• Marine biology focuses on the study of marine invertebrates and coastal environments.
• A marine biologist conducts fieldwork, molecular analysis, and computational work to understand marine organisms.
• Effective mentorship involves listening, providing constructive feedback, and supporting individual passions.
• Understanding the health of organisms in oceanic environments is a key aspect of marine biology research.
• Organisms have complex immune systems that evolve quickly, similar to humans.
• Understanding biodiversity and environmental risks is crucial for One Health.
• Team science brings together experts to solve problems collaboratively.
• Curiosity and learning from others are essential for scientific progress.
• Research findings can sometimes be surprising and challenge existing assumptions.
• Depictions of sea anemones in popular culture can spark interest in marine biology.
• Artificial intelligence has the potential to enhance research and experimental design.
• Goals for the future include fostering new scientists and advancing host-microbe interactions.
• Engaging with the public and promoting science communication are important responsibilities for researchers.

This podcast was produced and edited by Zack Jackson
CIPHER is a proud part of UNC Charlotte who holds all rights to the content created by this podcast

Bioinformatics with Dr. Dan Janies

Episode 2

In this episode, we are joined by co-director of CIPHER and bioinformatics expert: Dr. Dan Janies. He discusses his background and work in using computational methods and genomic data to study infectious diseases. He explains how he traced the origins of the SARS coronavirus to bats and used bioinformatics to track the spread of diseases like SARS, bird flu, and COVID-19 variants. Dr. Janies describes innovating techniques like projecting phylogenetic trees onto Google Earth to visualize disease movement and calculating protein structures to predict immune evasion. He shares his vision for "functional molecular epidemiology" to not just detect mutations but understand their impacts, and emphasizes the need for constant genomic surveillance to stop outbreaks before they become pandemics. This work is truly interdisciplinary and cutting edge. 

 

Find out more at cipher.charlotte.edu.

 

Key Takeaways

• Bioinformatics is a field that combines computer science and biology to analyze and compare genomes.
• Comparing genomes of viruses and bacteria helps understand their evolution and the impact of mutations.
• Tracing the origins of infectious diseases can provide insights into their transmission and help prevent future outbreaks. Supramap is a tool developed by Dan Janies that projects virus trees onto Google Earth, allowing researchers to study the movement and evolution of viruses.
• Functional molecular epidemiology focuses on understanding the impact of mutations in viruses and their implications for public health.
• Artificial intelligence, particularly the AlphaFold program, has revolutionized structural biology and the ability to accurately and quickly calculate protein structures.
• There is a need for a proactive approach to monitoring and preventing pandemics, using genomics and computational tools to detect and respond to emerging infectious diseases.
• Collaboration and capacity building are essential in the field of bioinformatics and infectious disease research, as researchers work together to develop best practices and share knowledge.

 

This podcast was produced and edited by Zack Jackson
CIPHER is a proud part of UNC Charlotte who holds all rights to the content created by this podcast