In Vivo

In this episode of In Vivo, I speak with Sally Adee, the author of We Are Electric: Inside the 200-Year Hunt for Our Body’s Bioelectric Code and What the Future Holds. This masterclass in bioelectricity dives deep into the state of research, the fascinating history of the field, and the groundbreaking possibilities it offers for the future of medicine, biology, and beyond. Building on a recent discussion I had with Dr. Michael Levin—one of the leading figures in bioelectricity research—Sally and I explore how electrical signals within living organisms could serve as a unifying principle for biology, connecting the genome, proteome, microbiome, and more. From the early days of Galvani and Volta to DARPA's experiments with transcranial direct current stimulation, this conversation covers everything you need to know about bioelectricity’s journey from a niche curiosity to a transformative scientific frontier. Whether you’re curious about its applications in health, its potential to revolutionize wound healing and regeneration, or the ethical questions it raises, this interview is your ultimate guide to understanding the bioelectric century. Learn more about Sally Adee’s work here: https://www.sally80.com/ We Are Electric on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/We-Are-Electric-200-Year-Bioelectric/dp/0306826631/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fMziYVNEsvLmvpBK7yT0KmdR0uPvrD2wFSk-BwrhEVg.4G7qQexFBuStQMfx1Ak2FdNKgCzk_k4IRuxLwRedN6A&dib_tag=se&hvadid=647377417347&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9000956&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=3319241274380986381&hvtargid=kwd-1935623510346&hydadcr=22461_13336686&keywords=we+are+electric+sally+adee&qid=1737060604&sr=8-1 In Vivo on X - https://x.com/InVivoPodOnX In Vivo on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GBvPPvSx52O6ILuam4LoX?si=6c903566ae7b4761&nd=1&dlsi=254f9f5e78194002 In Vivo on Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-vivo/id1775578563 In Vivo on Amazon Podcasts - https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/1ac4dbec-df46-4d1f-b0a1-742e9656ef44/in-vivo

In today’s episode, we’ll explore how Dr. Levin and his team are rewriting the rules of biology. From decoding the ‘bioelectric code’ to regenerating frog limbs and developing bioelectric therapeutics, we’ll unpack the science, the potential applications, and the profound implications of this exciting field. Dr. Levin is a Distinguished Professor at Tufts University, where he leads the Allen Discovery Center and the Tufts Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology. He is a once in a generation scientist, pioneering a developing field that’s bridging the space between biology, computer science and philosophy. Dr. Levin's X page - https://x.com/drmichaellevin Dr. Levin's lab - https://www.drmichaellevin.org/ Dr. Levin's blog and photography - https://thoughtforms.life/ Dr. Levin's advice to young scientists - https://thoughtforms.life/what-advice-do-i-give-to-my-students/ and https://thoughtforms.life/where-can-i-do-a-phd-in-bioelectricity-or-in-other-niche-topics/ In Vivo on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@InVivoPodcast

In Vivo on Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-vivo/id1775578563 In Vivo on Amazon Podcasts - https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/1ac4dbec-df46-4d1f-b0a1-742e9656ef44/in-vivo

Dr. Oded Rechavi is a professor at Tel Aviv University whose groundbreaking research shows that memories can be passed down over many generations independent of DNA via small RNA molecules. Dr. Rechavi’s work in the is redefining our understanding of inheritance, and pushing the limits on long held dogmas that reach all the way back to Darwin. Dr. Rechavi's X page (the best science account on X) - https://x.com/OdedRechavi Dr. Rechavi's lab - https://www.odedrechavilab.com/ In Vivo on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@InVivoPodcast Introduction video attribution - The New York A

In march of 2020, as the COVID pandemic was kicking off, Dr. Artem Babaian decided to focus his attention and efforts on identifying new corona virus hidden deep within the sequence read archive, a world wide depository of RNA sequences which has been described as the modern Library of Alexandria for genetics. In a matter of 11 days, Dr. Babaian and his team identified over 130k new RNA viruses using computational biology and AI. This feat cannot be overstated if you consider it took 130 years to identify the first 15k RNA viruses. Since then, Dr. Babian has identified over half a million new RNA virus, and if his work continues at a similar pace, that number will grow to 100 million by 2030. This work has earned Dr. Babaian the 2023 Gairdner Early Career Investigator Award, and solidified him as one of the foremost experts in the intersection of computational biology and virology. Dr. Babaian's Lab - https://www.rnalab.ca/

Dr. Babaian on X - https://x.com/RNA_Life The Serratus Project - https://serratus.io In Vivo on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@InVivoPodcast

Dr. Stephanie Willerth is a professor at the University of Victoria and stands at the forefront of the tissue engineering revolution. Her research is pushing the boundaries of what we thought possible, using 3D bioprinting to fabricate tissues and eventually organs that could one day transform healthcare. Dr. Willerth’s influence extends beyond her groundbreaking research in academia. As the former president of the Canadian Biomaterials Society and as the CEO of Axolotl Biosciences, she has been a driving force in advancing the tangible industry of biomaterial technologies, making strides that bring us closer to a future where personalized medical solutions are within reach. Dr. Willerth's Lab - https://www.engr.uvic.ca/~willerth/ Dr. Willerth on X - https://x.com/DrWillerth Engineering Neural Tissue from Stem Cells by Dr. Willerth - https://www.amazon.ca/Engineering-Neural-Tissue-Stem-Cells/dp/0128113855/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nZTnNzTx4HIbNNWts_LbPQ6ks7sEusaig1qrE5WKF6I.ziCXuQxYKY4ib7e9f7-Y3NJQm_XPMtUJhMHRbO9dkCU&qid=1721329322&sr=8-2 Handbook of Neural Engineering: A Modern Approac by Dr. Willerth - https://www.amazon.ca/Handbook-Neural-Engineering-Modern-Approach/dp/0323957307/ref=sr_1_1?crid=30T4ATSXUZ6YY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nZTnNzTx4HIbNNWts_LbPQ6ks7sEusaig1qrE5WKF6I.ziCXuQxYKY4ib7e9f7-Y3NJQm_XPMtUJhMHRbO9dkCU&dib_tag=se&keywords=stephanie+willerth&qid=1721329322&sprefix=stephanie+willerth%2Caps%2C86&sr=8-1 Axolotl Biosciences - https://www.axolotlbiosciences.com/home In Vivo on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@InVivoPodcast Attributions: Cellink - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvqnGjmlGaA Engineers and Geoscientists BS - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtKB0BFLy2w&t=1s

Dr. Christopher Mason is a geneticist and professor of biophysics at While Cornell Medicine, investigator on many NASA missions and projects, including the famous Twin Study with Astronauts Scott and Mark Kelly as well as being part of the first team to sequence genes in space. Most importantly though, he’s a big thinker and dreamer with a plan. He’s the author of ‘The Next 500 years: Engineering Life to Reach New Worlds’, where he outlines a 10 phase plan rooted in biotechnology to make humankind a multiplanetary species. Check out Dr. Mason's book 'The Next 500 Years: Engineering Life to Reach New Worlds'- https://tinyurl.com/TheNext500Years Dr. Mason's Lab - https://physiology.med.cornell.edu/people/christopher-mason-ph-d/ NASA GeneLab - https://genelab.nasa.gov/ Dr. Andy Feinberg pipetting in microgravity - https://youtu.be/FKoqqJi3-k4?si=TOvc_t-fpTxuYhHo&t=1148 Attributions: SpaceX - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97GOcZ08tc4 Thermo Fisher Scientific - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y2WqSdDHyo&t=18s In Vivo on Youtube- https://youtube.com/@InVivoPodcast

Today I’m sitting down with Dr. Rossi, a trailblazer in the field of science communication, known for his exceptional ability to transform complex scientific research into captivating visual narratives. With a background in marine biology and a Ph.D. focused on the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems, Dr. Rossi has seamlessly blended his scientific expertise with his passion for visual storytelling. This unique combination led him to found 'Animate Your Science,' a company dedicated to making scientific research accessible and engaging through innovative animations and visuals. Dr. Rossi's work has garnered international acclaim, earning him numerous accolades, including being named one of South Australia's 40 Under 40 in 2022. This prestigious recognition celebrates his contributions to science communication and his entrepreneurial spirit, highlighting his role as a leading figure in making science both beautiful and comprehensible. Today, we'll delve into the evolution of scientific visual communication, the power and impact of visuals in science, the role of AI in science graphic design, the future of visual communication, and career opportunities in this exciting field. The following is my conversation with Dr. Tullio Rossi. Check out Animate Your Science at https://www.animateyour.science/ Dr. Tullio Rossi's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tulliorossi/

In the 8th episode of In Vivo, I had the absolute honor to chat with Dr. Charlie Bamforth, a legend in the world of beer and brewing. Often hailed as "the Pope of Foam", Dr. Bamforth has been a pivotal figure in the brewing industry for decades. He once served as the president of London’s Institute of Brewing. He’s recently retired from the University of California Davis as Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Malting and Brewing Sciences. And currently he is the Senior Quality advisor at the legendary Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. Dr. Bamforth’s blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application has solidified his reputation as a leading voice in the brewing world.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Bamforth is also a prolific author, captivating readers with his deep knowledge and passion for beer. His book, "Beer: Tap into the Art and Science of Brewing," is a staple in any brewer’s library. It's a work that personally inspired me, igniting my interest in biotechnology and fostering a love for beer and brewing that has profoundly shaped my path.

In this episode, we delve into the storied history of beer and its ties to biotechnology, explore the exciting careers that bridge brewing and biotech, and look over the horizon into the exciting future of brewing that’s being fueled by advances in biotechnology.

So, grab your favorite glass, pour yourself a cold one, and join us as we tap into the art and science of brewing with Dr. Charles Bamforth.

Dr. Bamforth at Sierra Nevada Brewing – https://sierranevada.com/blog/a-brewers-alphabet/meet-charlie-bamforth-the-pope-of-foam

Check out ‘Beer: Tap Into the Art and Science of Brewing’ by Dr. Bamforth - https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0199996741?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Dr. Bamforth’s Wiki page - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Bamforth

Dr. Bamforth's Lab - https://bamforth.faculty.ucdavis.edu/#primary

Many students grapple with a challenging paradox: breaking into the biotech industry without any practical experience outside of their academic achievements. In today's discussion, we're exploring this dilemma with an individual who has successfully navigated this path. Joining us is Tatiana Nazarova, a Quality Control Scientist at a leading-edge pharmaceutical lab that specializes in the development of cannabis-derived molecules. With her fresh perspective and recent journey from academia to industry, Tatiana represents the voice a new generation in biotechnology — those who are directly transitioning from their studies and into the exciting world of professional biotech. In this interview, we discuss the expectations versus reality of working in a biotech lab, navigating the job market fresh out of school, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. Tatiana shares her insights into the hiring process, the skills and attributes that are truly in demand within the industry, and advice for students on the cusp of graduation. So, whether you’re a student looking to break into the biotech industry or an educator guiding the next generation, Tatiana’s journey offers something for everyone.

Today I’m sitting down with Dr. Randy Peterson to discuss the evolution of biotechnology over the years, and what the future has in store. Randy worked as research scientist in academia and in an industry before moving into the commercialization aspect of biotechnology. Today he is a professor in McMaster University’s graduate Entrepreneurship and an intellectual property and commercialization mentor at IP Ontario. Randy’s journey through the industry offers us a unique perspective on the intersection between scientific advancement, intellectual property and commercialization. Randy has a keen passion for motivating young biotechnologists to consider business and entrepreneurship in an age where access to information is seemingly limitless and opportunities are abundant.

Today we’re sitting down with Dr. Peter Azmi. He’s an entrepreneur, scientist, artist, educator and ultimately a professional problem solver. He holds a Masters and PhD in cancer medicine from the University of Toronto and is a visiting professor of Business Innovation at the Monterrey Center for Higher Learning of Design, in Monterey Mexico. Dr. Azmi is a business innovation and biotechnology specialist and has worked extensively in the life sciences and biotechnology sectors, helping launch multiple biotech startups along the way. He has been involved in entrepreneurship, innovation and scientific R&D for over 20 years and has seen the challenges within the industry first-hand. Currently, he leads i+ Business Development Studios, an innovation strategy and business development agency. Dr. Azmi also teaches entrepreneurship and innovation to students around the world, helping the next generation understand stakeholder-centric principles of business design and strategy. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into turning an idea into an invention and then into business, this is the episode for you. Learn more about Dr. Peter Azmi's entrepreneurial work here: https://innovatingbd.com/

The following is a conversation with Mingyang Sun, a scientist, entrepreneur and former classmate of mine at York University. There, he completed a masters in molecular biology and then a masters of business administration at the UBC Sauder school of business. Ming has worn many hats during his career in the biotech industry, ascending the ladder from lab manager, to product developer, then vice president of a Cannabis startup and now CEO of Bioboost Synbio. His current ventures seek to develop plant-based sanitizers and pesticides for the agriculture industry. He’s also using synthetic biology to produce a variety of biosynthesized molecules via yeast fermentation. There are few biotechnologists that have seen the industry from so many perspectives in such a short period of time. His journey is inspiring and he has many lessons to share. So I’m excited to sit down with Ming to discuss the in’s and out’s of the industry, the hurdles and challenges of biomanufacturing as well as the exciting future that these technologies promise. Learn more about Mingyang's biotech companies here: https://www.bioboostsynbio.com/ and here: https://www.naturerecombined.com/

Today I’m speaking with Dr. Gregory Anderson, one of the founding professors of the Biotechnology program at Georgian College and a staunch advocate for developing research programs at his institute. He joined the faculty in 2015 after spending 12 years as a Researcher at both Sunnybrook and Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto. While there, his research focused on using high-resolution, high-throughput physics imaging techniques to try to understand the roles that various genes played in the development of the cardiovascular system and ultimately their contribution to the development of cardiovascular disease. This work required the collaboration of various scientific teams from around the world, which helped foster in Dr. Anderson the idea that truly great research cannot be done without great teamwork skills. Dr. Anderson holds both an MSc and a PhD degree from the University of Toronto in Medical Biophysics, as well as a BSc from the University of Waterloo in Biology and Chemistry. Dr. Anderson is well versed in the scientific method, as he’s published 13 peer-reviewed papers on his research, most recently in 2020. Today, Dr. Anderson continues to contribute to research at Georgian College as the Research Lead for Health and Wellness Sciences.

Today I sit down with Dr. Monty Gill, a lecturer at the University of Guelph-Humber, one of the finest research scientists that I’ve known and my favorite person to talk science with. He completed a PhD in Molecular Genetics at the University of Toronto, followed by postdoctoral fellowships at the Amgen research institute, Ontario Institute for Cancer research and the Lunenfeld research institute. Dr. Gill then transitioned into a Research Associate role at York University, where I had the pleasure of working with him and learning from him. As a scientist, he focused on several signaling pathways including the regulation of the Retinoblastoma gene, telomerase activity control, RNA interference in insulin signaling and AKT targeting of cell cycle proteins. His respect and mastery of the scientific method is matched by few, and is built on a foundation of tens of thousands of hours spent in molecular biology labs, resulting in over 20 publications to his name. Today he lectures in the kinesiology department at the University of Guelph Humber, where he continues to impart his endless well of knowledge on up and coming scientists.

Today we’re sitting down with Dr. Kerry Bowman, a prominent Canadian bioethicist and conservationist. He’s currently a professor at the University of Toronto's Dalla Lana School of Public Health and once served as a clinical ethicist at Mt. Sinai hospital and Sunnybrook health Sciences centre. Dr. Bowman is the president and founder of The Canadian Ape Alliance, a member of the Board of Directors of The Jane Goodall Institute and works with the UNEP. Throughout his career, Dr. Kerry Bowman has been deeply involved in addressing complex ethical issues arising from advances in biotechnology, genomics, and healthcare. He is known for his insightful contributions to the ethical debates surrounding topics such as genetic testing, assisted reproductive technologies, and organ transplantation. And in fact, you may have seen him as a contributor on these topics on various international news stations. Additionally, his expertise extends to exploring ethical concerns related to global health and environmental health. He works in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo as a conservationist working to help protect the great apes of Africa. He frequently consults internationally on conservation issues in various parts of Africa, as well as India, Indonesia, Brazil and Iran. Dr. Bowman has consulted for the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta on research exploring the link between the hunting of great apes and the transmission of retroviruses such as HIV. More recently, Dr. Bowman has been spending time in the western Amazon where he studies uncontacted tribes and seeks to expand our knowledge on the interplay between biodiversity and global health. Learn more about Dr. Kerry Bowman's conservation work here: https://forestandhealth.org/