TGen Talks

TGen
TGen Talks

TGen Talks explores the human genome to tackle the latest science and discoveries in cancer, neurological disorders, rare diseases, metabolic disorders and infectious disease. Learn about causes and potential cures in our monthly podcast!

  1. Episode 79: Breaking Barriers — How Women in Science Help Shape the Future

    FEB 25

    Episode 79: Breaking Barriers — How Women in Science Help Shape the Future

    In this episode of TGen Talks, which celebrates Women’s History Month (March), we’ll explore how women in science have shaped the world around us, and how their stories continue to inspire future generations of young women to become researchers, leaders, and trailblazers who continue to break barriers. Joining the podcast this month is Bethany Davis, Ph.D., an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and a Research Assistant Professor in TGen’s Clinical Genomics and Therapeutics Division. Davis specializes in studying the effects of environmental toxins, like heavy metals, and other conditions that affect the kidneys. She’s particularly focused on understanding the molecular characteristics behind kidney cancer in Native American communities. Beyond her research, however, Dr. Davis shares her personal journey into science. As a woman in a field traditionally dominated by men, she’ll highlight some of the unsung pioneers whose work laid the foundation for modern science, reflect on her personal career path, the challenges she’s faced, and her vision for the future of cancer genomics in Native American health. Join us for an inspiring conversation that illuminates the power of women in science and their impact on advancing health and innovation.

    16 min
  2. The Power of Nanotherapeutics

    JAN 28

    The Power of Nanotherapeutics

    What if the cure for diseases like Alzheimer’s or cancer lay hidden inside the immune systems of llamas, cows, or even sharks? 
    On this episode of TGen Talks, TGen’s newest faculty member, Dr. John Fryer, introduces us to the world of nanotherapeutics—a new class of biologics derived from the unique immune systems of animals like camels and sharks. These ultra-small molecules, known as “nanobodies,” are revolutionizing the way we think about treating diseases like Alzheimer’s, cancer, and even sepsis.
    Dr. Fryer explains how these tiny molecules—about 10 times smaller than traditional monoclonal antibodies—can target tough-to-reach areas like the brain, offering new hope for conditions once thought impossible to treat. He dives into his team’s work on neurodegenerative diseases, sepsis, and cancer, and shares how the collaboration between TGen and City of Hope is accelerating the development of these next-generation therapies.
    What’s even more fascinating? How creativity and curiosity drive scientific discovery, with Dr. Fryer’s lab exploring everything from nano and pico bodies to the science behind brain tumors. Tune in to learn about the science, the passion, and the unexpected inspiration that drives this groundbreaking research.

    21 min
  3. Glyphosate’s Long-Lasting Effects on Brain Health

    12/04/2024

    Glyphosate’s Long-Lasting Effects on Brain Health

    Scientists have long known that farm chemicals can be harmful to human health. Many lawn and garden products used by consumers carry warnings, so that users can protect themselves  when applying herbicides in their own yards.  
But which chemicals are the most dangerous? And how much exposure is too much to be considered safe? A new study from TGEN and Arizona State University is shedding light on glyphosate, a common chemical in many herbicides, and its findings indicate that not only does glyphosate cross the blood brain barrier, but its damaging effects on the brain can remain long after the exposure.  Patrick Pirrotte, Ph.D., and colleagues at Arizona State University have identified an association between glyphosate exposure and symptoms of neuroinflammation, as well as accelerated Alzheimer’s disease-like pathology. The study tracks both the presence and impact of glyphosate’s byproducts in the brain long after exposure ends, showing an array of persistent, damaging effects on brain health.  Listen as Dr. Pirrotte discusses the methods used in the research and how the pervasive use of such chemicals means that most Americans, even those who have no exposure to farms or the application of such herbicides have traces of the harmful compounds in their bodies.

    20 min
  4. Episode 76: Leigh Nicholson, Ph.D., Researcher and Ambassador

    10/30/2024

    Episode 76: Leigh Nicholson, Ph.D., Researcher and Ambassador

    On this month’s TGen Talks, our host sits down with Leigh Nicholson, Ph.D., who was recently named a research assistant professor in TGen’s Early Detection and Prevention Division. Nicholson studies neurological diseases of all kinds — from the rarest to the very common — including a childhood disorder called Okur-Chung neurodevelopmental syndrome, or OCNDS for short, and Alzheimer’s disease, which affects nearly 7 million Americans. The podcast covers her path to a career in science, her day-to-day research, and why she thinks mentoring young scientists and improving scientific literacy is so important. All this and more, in just under 15 minutes.

    14 min
  5. A Postdoc’s Perspective: Dr. Aya Kamzina’s Path to Research

    09/26/2024

    A Postdoc’s Perspective: Dr. Aya Kamzina’s Path to Research

    Every September, the scientific community recognizes postdoctoral researchers during Postdoc Appreciation Week. Postdocs bring new ideas and deep expertise as they tackle complex questions and expand knowledge through experiments.     In this month’s episode of TGen Talks, Aya Kamzina, Ph.D., one of TGen’s 11 postdoctoral researchers, shares her journey to becoming a postdoc and her experiences at TGen.     Dr. Kamzina’s educational path began in Kazakhstan and differs from many of her peers. She discusses her work with organoids and microglia in Dr. Huentelman’s neurogenomics lab, as well as her diverse background in biochemical engineering and molecular biology. Dr. Kamzina also explains why she finds TGen’s translational research meaningful and how it aligns with her goals in shaping the future of science.

    16 min
  6. Episode 74: Breaking Down Multiple Myeloma’s New Subtypes and Their Impact

    08/28/2024

    Episode 74: Breaking Down Multiple Myeloma’s New Subtypes and Their Impact

    Scientists at TGen have released the results of a more than decade-long study into multiple myeloma. Looking at more than 1100 patients from four different countries, scientists identified new genetic subtypes of the disease, providing insights that could transform how we approach treatment (see related story above). Listen as Jonathan Keats, Ph.D., the study's senior author discusses the findings, their impact on personalized medicine, and how TGen's advanced genomic sequencing is paving the way for more effective and individualized care. In particular, the study has identified a high-risk subgroup of patients with a distressingly short median survival, highlighting the urgent need for tailored therapies and innovative clinical trials.

    16 min
  7. Episode 73: The Science of Longevity

    07/30/2024

    Episode 73: The Science of Longevity

    Aging. It’s something we’d all like to do better. Americans spend an estimated $5 Billion on anti-aging products every year. But at TGen and City of Hope, scientists like TGen distinguished professor Nicholas Schork, Ph.D., are working to unlock the secrets to not just better ‘aging,’ but disease prevention alongside longevity, and are making promising progress toward medications and methods that will be tailored to each specific person, rather than those that promise longer healthier lives for all. In this episode of TGen Talks, our host Karie Dozer sits down with Schork to discuss the groundbreaking search for substances that can slow down aging. Imagine a daily pill that not only extends your lifespan but also your health span, delaying age-related diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Schork, with his extensive background in quantitative genetics and translational biomedical science, explains the exciting potential of longevity and health promoting interventions, termed ‘geroprotectors,’ and the race to develop them. We'll explore the challenges and excitement of developing anti-aging interventions, the race to find effective solutions, and the potential of personalized treatments through “N-of-1” trials. Join us as we delve into the future of aging research and the hope it brings for healthier, longer lives.

    25 min
  8. Episode 72: Fowl Play: Viewing the New Strain of Bird Flu Through a Genomic Lens

    06/27/2024

    Episode 72: Fowl Play: Viewing the New Strain of Bird Flu Through a Genomic Lens

    On this month’s TGen Talks, David Engelthaler, Ph.D., professor and director of TGen’s Pathogen and Microbiome Division, discusses the recent surge of bird flu, also known as H5N1. 
H5N1 has been in the news a lot lately, but what does it all mean? Engelthaler breaks down the science and talks about the effects this particular strain might have on humans. He also explains what constitutes an outbreak, how they fade over time, and why they start anew. 
Bird flu, like other influenza viruses, changes and mutates over time, and the H5N1 strain is particularly concerning. Although it is currently a low risk for human outbreak (there are only 3 known cases in the U.S. thus far), its impact on other animals, especially poultry and cattle, caught the attention of the CDC, USDA and other groups that monitor such outbreaks. 
Engelthaler notes that outbreaks are often first noticed by wildlife managers or at zoos, where bird die-offs prompt testing for influenza. Over the past two years, the current bird flu strain has spread significantly by wild birds across North America and the rest of the world. 
The good news: In Arizona, only one mammal, an Abert’s tree squirrel, has tested positive for H5N1 to date. TGen researchers are working with local wildlife and health officials to monitor the situation.

    19 min
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    Ratings & Reviews

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    About

    TGen Talks explores the human genome to tackle the latest science and discoveries in cancer, neurological disorders, rare diseases, metabolic disorders and infectious disease. Learn about causes and potential cures in our monthly podcast!

    Information

    • Creator
      TGen
    • Years Active
      2017 - 2025
    • Episodes
      84
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © All rights reserved
    • Show Website
      TGen Talks

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