de-CIPHERing Infectious Disease

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

An Introduction to CIPHER

Episode 1

In this conversation, Co-Directors Dr. Dan Janies and Dr. Adam Reitzel introduce us to CIPHER and the incredible interdisciplinary team that makes it work. You'll learn about how computer scientists, biologists, social scientists, mathematicians, and public health officials work together to unlock the secrets of infectious diseases, to engineer solutions, and to predict future outbreaks. You won't want to miss this fascinating conversation. 

 

Find out more at cipher.charlotte.edu.

 

Key Takeaways

• CIPHER is a computational and empirical center focused on studying zoonotic diseases and their impact on public health.
• The center brings together experts in genomics, microscopy, and various fields of biology to understand the interactions between pathogens, animals, and the environment.
• CIPHER's work goes beyond pandemic response and includes research on vector-borne diseases and pathogens affecting non-human animals and agricultural plants.
• The use of artificial intelligence, such as the AlphaFold program, has revolutionized structural biology and enhanced the prediction of protein structures.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration is essential in addressing complex challenges in fields like infectious diseases and environmental risks.
• Effective communication and engagement with the public are crucial for building trust in science and medicine.
• The CIPHER team consists of scientists, postdocs, graduate students, and technical staff, working together to advance research and civic engagement.
• CIPHER aims to monitor and respond to infectious diseases and environmental risks through functional molecular epidemiology.
• Lessons learned from the pandemic highlight the need for continuous monitoring and proactive response to emerging pathogens.

 

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