Science Talks

University of Arizona, BIO5 Institute
  • 5.0 (2)
  • SCIENCE

The BIO5 Institute is an interdisciplinary membership organization at the University of Arizona where 'team science' is taken to a whole new level. We bring together over 400 researchers to creatively solve difficult problems. In our Science Talks podcast, we visit with BIO5's interdisciplinary experts to learn about the impacts that their research is making to bioscience and human health.

  1. Computational Biology and AI: from Puzzles to Precision Medicine

    2D AGO

    Computational Biology and AI: from Puzzles to Precision Medicine

    Three things you will learn in this episode: Drug Discovery and Machine Learning  AI usage in modern Computational Research Challenges in using AI for Precision Medicine and how to combat them —-------------------------- The BIO5 Institute’s Amy Barber talks with member and one of the University’s experts on AI, Dr. Travis Wheeler, Dr. Wheeler’s research group uses computational methods to advance genome research, drug discovery, and precision medicine. Listen in as they explore the rewarding aspects of his work, how computational tools are transforming drug discovery, and the future of machine learning and AI in biological research. Dr. Wheeler leads a research lab at the University of Arizona that focuses on algorithms and machine learning approaches for computational biology, emphasizing applications to genomics, drug discovery, and animal behavior classification.  —-------------------------- Check out some of our previous episodes in relation to AI and computational science! Episode 61: Taming technology, from stone tools to artificial intelligence with Ash Black Episode 60: Merging computer science and ecology to better understand infectious disease with Dr. Lilliana Salvador Episode 35: Big tools for big data with Nirav Merchant —-------------------------- Connect with us! Instagram: @uazbio5 LinkedIn: uaz-bio5-institute Facebook: @UAZBIO5 Website: BIO5.org

    27 min
  2. Episode 65: Formalizing how plants live and adapt through algorithms

    APR 29

    Episode 65: Formalizing how plants live and adapt through algorithms

    Amy Barber was joined by Dr. Alexander Bucksch, a plant phenomicist and associate professor in the School of Plant Sciences at the University of Arizona. He has over 10 years of experience in developing and applying mathematical and computational methods to study plant morphology and physiology across scales and domains, from the organismal to the ecosystem level, and from above to below-ground. His current research focuses on root phenomics, ranging from the population level to the molecular level. In doing so, he develops computational imaging and simulation techniques that can be applied in the lab and the field.

    28 min
  3. Episode 64: Where curiosity leads: From engineering dreams to virology breakthroughs

    APR 15

    Episode 64: Where curiosity leads: From engineering dreams to virology breakthroughs

    Amy Barber was joined by Dr. Pierce Longmire, a postdoctoral research assistant in the lab of BIO5 member Felicia Goodrum in the Department of Immunobiology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson. The overarching goal of the Goodrum lab is to understand how viruses can asymptomatically coexist within a human host. They study the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), using it as a model for defining and understanding interactions between viruses and their hosts that allow for the entry into and exit from latent states. Dr. Longmire works on HCMV interactions with the host DNA damage response. This research may lead to the creation of novel antiviral therapies for at-risk individuals, such as stem cell and organ transplant recipients.

    20 min
  4. Episode 63: Studying desert environments for water conservation

    MAR 25

    Episode 63: Studying desert environments for water conservation

    Today we are joined by Dr.  Vanessa Buzzard, a senior research specialist at the University of Arizona School of Environmental and Natural Resources. Dr. Buzzard received her Ph.D. from the University of Arizona in 2017 where she focused on plant functional trait distribution, but has transitioned her studies from natural systems to urban environments. Today, she is a part of BIO5 member Laura Meredith’s lab where she questions the drivers of biodiversity and ecosystem function in relation to the effects of green infrastructure water management on soils in urban environments. Her research aims to quantify shifts in soil health in response to green stormwater infrastructure in Tucson.

    34 min
  5. Episode 62: Reflections and horizons at BIO5

    12/17/2024

    Episode 62: Reflections and horizons at BIO5

    As we wrap up 2024, today’s special episode will be a reflection on the remarkable achievements of the University of Arizona researchers and the groundbreaking work at BIO5. Caroline Bartelme was joined by BIO5 Institute director Jennifer Barton to reflect on some highlights, exciting research updates, and what’s next on the horizon for this coming year.

    15 min
  6. Episode 61: Taming technology, from stone tools to artificial intelligence

    10/24/2024

    Episode 61: Taming technology, from stone tools to artificial intelligence

    Amy Barber was joined by Ash Black, the director of AI & industry at the University of Arizona Institute for Computation & Data-Enabled Insight, to discuss his role coordinating AI outreach and building internships, jobs, and economic opportunities across Arizona. This institute provides training, education, collaboration, software licenses, and data to our researchers here at BIO5 and the U of A. Black works as a creative technologist and educator with an impressive record of innovation from the early internet to advanced technology, including AI and XR. As a specialist in student engagement, he uses experiential learning and pushes to use practical learning methods.

    30 min
  7. Episode 60: Merging computer science and ecology to better understand infectious disease

    09/04/2024

    Episode 60: Merging computer science and ecology to better understand infectious disease

    Identifying and understanding zoonotic diseases—infections that are spread between people and animals—can help predict future emergence risks, particularly in vulnerable populations. Combined with computational and data-based models, this research allows us to study potential diseases in the hopes of preventing outbreaks. On this episode of Science Talks, Amy Barber is joined by Dr. Liliana Salvador, assistant professor of animal and comparative biomedical sciences, at the University of Arizona College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences. Dr. Salvador combines ecological, genomic, epidemiological, and movement data with computational and mathematical models to understand zoonotic diseases in wildlife, livestock, and humans.

    40 min
  8. Episode 59: Finding skills and support system as BIO5 student worker

    08/29/2024

    Episode 59: Finding skills and support system as BIO5 student worker

    Students are an important part of the BIO5 Institute at the University of Arizona and share in the success we achieve here. The different administrative departments within BIO5 look for ways to engage with students and train them on the business side of science. One of those departments is the Public Affairs department where students assist with communications and marketing projects, community and faculty events, and other special projects. One such project is our undergraduate internship program, the BIO5 Ambassadors.   Amy Barber is joined on Science Talks by two of those BIO5 students(now University of Arizona alumni): Paulina Garza and Drew Seiser. They worked as Public Affairs student assistants and co-facilitated the BIO5 Ambassadors program. Garza graduated in May 2024 with a degree in management information systems and works in technology consulting. Seiser also graduated in May 2024 with her BS in cell and molecular biology and aims to pursue a PhD.

    33 min
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About

The BIO5 Institute is an interdisciplinary membership organization at the University of Arizona where 'team science' is taken to a whole new level. We bring together over 400 researchers to creatively solve difficult problems. In our Science Talks podcast, we visit with BIO5's interdisciplinary experts to learn about the impacts that their research is making to bioscience and human health.

Information

  • Creator
    University of Arizona, BIO5 Institute
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    66
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © University of Arizona, BIO5 Institute
  • Show Website
    Science Talks