de-CIPHERing Infectious Disease

Expanding the Genome with Dr. Danillo Augusto

Episode 12

In this conversation, Dr. Danillo Augusto shares his journey from Brazil to the US, detailing his experiences with the neglected autoimmune disease Pemphigus and his current research focus on genomic equity. He discusses the importance of studying underrepresented populations in genomics and the challenges faced in addressing health disparities. 

 

Find out more at cipher.charlotte.edu.

Key Takeaways

• Pemphigus is a neglected autoimmune disease endemic to Brazil.
• Health disparities are evident in the lack of research on diseases affecting poor populations.
• Most genomic studies focus on European ancestry, creating gaps in understanding.
• Danilo secured a significant NIH grant to study Pemphigus.
• Understanding limitations leads to better scientific partnerships.
• Team science is essential for addressing complex research questions.
• Genetic variation in immune regions is often overlooked.
• SARS-CoV-2 research revealed strong genetic associations.
• Environmental factors can trigger health issues in populations.
• Future research should focus on underrepresented genetic regions.

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 DNA with Dr. Abbe LaBella

Episode 11

Join us for an engaging conversation with Dr. Abbe LaBella, Assistant professor of Bioinformatics and Genomics at UNC Charlotte. She will take us along her journey from designing mailboxes to studying fungal genetics. Along the way, there will be deep sea adventures, genetic breakthroughs, and lessons for all stages of life. 

Find out more at cipher.charlotte.edu.

Key Takeaways

• Abby actively mentors students from high school to postdoctoral levels.
• Her deep-sea research involved collecting samples using the submersible Alvin.
• Abby's lab focuses on understanding the implications of genomic variation.
• Silent mutations, once thought inconsequential, can influence disease outcomes.
• The field of codon usage bias is relatively new and evolving.
• Machine learning can uncover patterns in genetic data without bias.
• The importance of tRNAs in protein synthesis is often overlooked.
• The NIH grant will focus on understanding silent synonymous data in yeast.

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

Evolutionary Informatics with Dr. Alex Dornburg

Episode 10

Join us for an engaging conversation with Dr. Alex Dornburg, Assistant Professor in Bioinformatics and Genomics, as he shares his journey from childhood passion for wildlife photography to groundbreaking research in evolutionary informatics. We explore the fascinating world of Antarctic fishes, the cutting-edge applications of generative AI in education, and the critical role of team science in solving complex problems. Whether you're curious about marine biology, AI, or the intersection of diverse scientific disciplines, this episode offers a unique perspective on discovery, resilience, and innovation.

Find out more at cipher.charlotte.edu.

 

Key Takeaways

• Passion Leads to Discovery: Alex Dornburg's love for photographing animals as a child sparked his lifelong interest in science, eventually leading to a career in evolutionary informatics.

• Evolutionary Informatics: Alex's work focuses on using bioinformatics and evolutionary biology to address contemporary problems, such as forecasting biodiversity changes and understanding emergent diseases.

• Antarctic Fish Research: Alex studies unique Antarctic fish that lack hemoglobin and have adapted to extreme environments, using genetic traits that, in humans, would cause severe conditions like brittle bone disease.

• Adapting During the Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic shifted Alex’s focus from fieldwork to computational research, highlighting the flexibility needed in science to adapt to unforeseen circumstances.

• AI in Education: Alex uses generative AI in his teaching to help students explore bioinformatics tasks, making science education more engaging, individualized, and relevant to their interests.

• Team Science: Alex emphasizes the value of interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating diverse perspectives and expertise to tackle complex problems in biology and beyond.

• Revolutionizing Public Health: By applying evolutionary biology, Alex's team modeled antibody waning and reinfection risks for COVID-19, providing actionable insights during the pandemic and shaping future responses.

• Environmental DNA (eDNA): His lab uses eDNA technology to map biodiversity in marine environments, offering a non-invasive way to track species presence and ecological changes.

• Science Is a Journey of Learning: Alex believes science is a continuous conversation that demands curiosity, persistence, and the willingness to embrace failure as part of the process.

• Personal and Professional Legacy: Alex aspires to mentor successful, fulfilled students, contribute meaningfully to science, and maintain a lifelong love for learning and exploration, including his personal goal of becoming a polyglot.

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

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