Advertise on podcast: de-CIPHERing Infectious Disease

Episode 13 What can we learn from animals that live life on the edge? Dr. Laurel Yohe joins the podcast to discuss her fascinating research on bats, creatures with extreme adaptations like supersonic echolocation and mysteriously resilient immune systems. The conversation explores how studying these unique animals, using everything from 100-year-old museum specimens to cutting-edge genomic sequencing, provides critical insights into evolution and the transmission of viruses. Dr. Yohe also makes a powerful case for "science for the sake of discovery," where pure curiosity can lead to the most unexpected and vital breakthroughs.   Find out more at cipher.charlotte.edu. Key Takeaways Studying animals that live at biological extremes, such as in unique environments or with unusual metabolisms, provides a powerful window into the evolutionary pressures that create diversity. Modern research often finds success by creatively blending old and new scientific methods. For instance, basic tissue staining of a bat specimen from 1906 yielded images as clear as if the sample were fresh, showing the value of classic techniques. To optimize their "supersonic" echolocation abilities, the anatomy of horseshoe bats has been completely rearranged. Their throats have essentially moved up into their faces to fine-tune how they perceive the world through sound. Evolutionary adaptations for one purpose can have unintended consequences for other systems. The same changes that improved bat echolocation also altered the placement of immune cells in the nasal cavity, potentially affecting how they tolerate viruses. The risk of pathogens spreading from animals to humans increases as we encroach on wildlife habitats. This creates a greater interface between wild animals, domesticated animals, and people, raising the chances of a spillover event. Research driven by pure curiosity is essential because it can become unexpectedly vital. Foundational knowledge on bat noses, gathered simply out of scientific interest, suddenly became highly relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic.   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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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