DNA methylation, a cornerstone of epigenetic research, is vital for understanding gene regulation and its implications in health and disease. In this week’s episode of the Everything Epigenetics podcast, I speak with David Goldberg and Nicole Renke about the latest advancements in DNA methylation tools, including Illumina's groundbreaking Methylation Screening Array (MSA).

We explore the history and evolution of methylation microarrays, why they remain the gold standard for Epigenome-Wide Association Studies (EWAS), and the design process behind the MSA array. David and Nicole provide insight into the practical applications of these tools for research in aging, neurodegenerative disorders, and environmental exposures.

You'll learn about:
•⁠  ⁠What methylation microarrays are and why they’re essential for EWAS
•⁠  ⁠The market need and vision for Illumina's new MSA array
•⁠  ⁠Key features and benefits of the MSA array for researchers
•⁠  ⁠The role of cell-specific methylation in advancing epigenetic studies
•⁠  ⁠Insights into the technical and biological validation of the MSA array

Chapters:
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
02:30 History of Methylation Microarrays
10:45 Applications of EWAS in Research
20:15 Unveiling the MSA Array: Vision and Design
35:00 Technical Validation and Biological Insights
45:30 Future Directions in DNA Methylation Research
50:00 Closing Remarks

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Thank you for joining us at the Everything Epigenetics Podcast and remember you have control over your Epigenetics, so tune in next time to learn more about how to harness this knowledge for your benefit.

How can epigenetics revolutionize heart disease prevention? In this week’s episode of the Everything Epigenetics podcast, Dr. Meesha Dogan and I discuss the groundbreaking role of AI-driven epigenetics in cardiovascular medicine. Dr. Dogan shares her journey into the field, the life-changing potential of precision diagnostics, and the critical connection between lifestyle and heart health.

You'll learn about:
•⁠  ⁠How epigenetics determines heart disease risk beyond genetics.
•⁠  ⁠The role of AI in identifying biomarkers and enabling earlier interventions.
•⁠  ⁠Real-world applications of personalized treatment plans informed by epigenetic testing.
•⁠  ⁠Why behavior changes, guided by dynamic DNA data, are key to long-term heart health.
•⁠  ⁠The future of epigenetics in drug development and preventative medicine.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
03:00 Dr. Meesha Dogan’s journey into epigenetics and personalized health
10:00 How epigenetics informs heart disease risk and prevention
18:00 AI’s transformative role in cardiovascular diagnostics
26:00 Real-world applications: Precision CHD tests and success stories
35:00 Lifestyle interventions and the power of behavioral insights
45:00 The future of epigenetic research: Drug development and dynamic testing

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Thank you for joining us at the Everything Epigenetics Podcast and remember you have control over your Epigenetics, so tune in next time to learn more about how to harness this knowledge for your benefit.

Reproductive longevity and fertility are topics that impact women disproportionately across the globe. In this week’s episode of the Everything Epigenetics podcast, Dr. Katherine Zagone and I discuss how epigenetics can unlock key insights into fertility, biological age, and reproductive health. Dr. Zagone shares her journey into the fertility world, her pioneering work at Clockwize, and how biological age plays a crucial role in fertility outcomes.

You'll learn about:

• How Dr. Zagone founded Clockwize and what inspired her focus on fertility.
• The importance of biological age over chronological age in predicting fertility outcomes.
• Clockwize’s "Fertility Wise Test" and how it measures biological aging and exposure to fertility toxins.
• Common fertility toxins, including phthalates, BPA, and parabens, and how to reduce exposure.
• The FAST framework (Food, Fitness, Associated conditions, Sleep, Stress, Trauma, and Toxins) to optimize fertility and rewind biological age.
• Future innovations in epigenetic fertility predictions and outcomes.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
02:00 State of Reproductive Longevity and Its Disproportionate Impact on Women
05:00 Dr. Katherine Zagone’s Journey into Fertility and Founding Clockwize
10:30 Biological Age vs. Chronological Age in Fertility
15:00 How Epigenetics Can Predict Fertility and Health Outcomes
20:00 The FAST Framework: Rewinding Your Biological Clock
25:00 Identifying and Reducing Exposure to Fertility Toxins
30:00 Innovations and Future Directions in Fertility Epigenetics
40:00 Success Stories and Real-World Impacts

50:00 How to Connect with Dr. Zagone and Learn More About Clockwize

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Thank you for joining us at the Everything Epigenetics Podcast and remember you have control over your Epigenetics, so tune in next time to learn more about how to harness this knowledge for your benefit.

What does it take to live not just longer but healthier lives? In this week’s episode of the Everything Epigenetics podcast, Dr. Jamie Justice and I explore the groundbreaking research and initiatives shaping the future of healthy aging. From bridging the gap between lifespan and healthspan to revolutionary breakthroughs like the XPRIZE Healthspan prize, we dive deep into the science and innovations driving progress in geroscience.

You'll learn about:

• What “healthy aging” truly means and why it’s vital for everyone.
• How the gap between lifespan and healthspan impacts society and what can be done to close it.
• The critical factors influencing long-term healthspan and actionable steps individuals can take.
• The goals and potential of the XPRIZE Healthspan initiative and the exciting innovations emerging from it.
• How targeted initiatives like the SOLVE FSHD Bonus Prize could shape the future of disease-specific health research.
• A look ahead: breakthroughs and milestones expected in the next 5-10 years in aging research.

Chapters:
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
02:30 What “healthy aging” means to Dr. Jamie Justice
07:15 Lifespan vs. Healthspan: Bridging the gap
15:40 Key factors influencing long-term healthspan
22:10 Overview of the XPRIZE Healthspan Prize
28:45 Promising innovations from XPRIZE participants
35:20 The SOLVE FSHD Bonus Prize and its impact
42:10 Future breakthroughs in geroscience and aging research
49:30 Where to connect with Dr. Jamie Justice

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Thank you for joining us at the Everything Epigenetics Podcast and remember you have control over your Epigenetics, so tune in next time to learn more about how to harness this knowledge for your benefit.

In this week’s episode of the Everything Epigenetics podcast, Dr. Christopher Minteer, Nicholas Minteer, and I dive into the fascinating intersection of canine health, longevity, and epigenetics. We explore how their company, Woofgenix, is revolutionizing the field through cutting-edge research and innovative products that aim to extend the lifespan and healthspan of our beloved pets. From understanding the unique epigenetic processes in dogs to uncovering the secrets behind varying breed lifespans, this episode offers insights into how science is shaping a better future for our furry friends.

You'll learn about:

• How Woofgenix uses epigenetic testing to enhance canine longevity.
• The surprising ways epigenetic processes in dogs differ from humans.
• Exciting breakthroughs in canine aging research, including the role of rapamycin.
• Woofgenix's innovative products like WoofAge, WoofSpan, and Woof Wellness.
• How dog lovers can get involved in longevity research through citizen science initiatives.

Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction

03:00 Meet Dr. Christopher and Nicholas Minteer

09:00 Canine Epigenetics: Comparing Dogs and Humans

16:00 The Science Behind Longevity: Breed and Size Insights

24:00 Woofgenix: Research and Products Revolutionizing Dog Care

36:00 How to Support Canine Aging Research

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Thank you for joining us at the Everything Epigenetics Podcast and remember you have control over your Epigenetics, so tune in next time to learn more about how to harness this knowledge for your benefit.

In this episode of Everything Epigenetics, host Hannah Went sits down with Dave Pascoe, a retired network security architect who’s redefining the way we think about aging. Despite being 62, Dave has been able to have a lower "biological age" and slow pace of aging, a testament to his dedication to health optimization, epigenetics, and biological tuning. Known for ranking among the top contenders in the Rejuvenation Olympics leaderboard, Dave’s journey offers invaluable insights into affordable and effective longevity practices.

You'll learn about:

• Dave’s routines and habits for maintaining youthful epigenetic markers
• The Rejuvenation Olympics: what it is and how Dave has made his mark
• How personalized routines and lifestyle changes can slow down aging

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Everything Epigenetics and Dave Pascoe
00:16 – Dave’s early experiences and what sparked his interest in health and wellness
02:01 – Rejuvenation Olympics and its goals
05:14 – Dave’s evening and morning routines supporting epigenetic health
08:50 – Dave’s “AHA” moment and lifestyle changes
12:33 – Biohacking techniques and tools for longevity
15:50 – Practical steps for longevity accessible to a broad audience
18:40 – Reflections on balancing stress, mindset, and communityJoin us as we explore practical longevity strategies and learn how you, too, can take control of your health journey!

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Thank you for joining us at the Everything Epigenetics Podcast and remember you have control over your Epigenetics, so tune in next time to learn more about how to harness this knowledge for your benefit.

In this week's episode of the Everything Epigenetics podcast, Dr. Chiara Herzog and I talk about how epigenetics is making waves in the medical world and how it could change treatment. Translational scientist and research fellow Dr. Herzog provides insights from her role in the Biomarkers of Aging Consortium and her work on the TirolGESUND project, one of the largest multi-omic human lifestyle intervention trials to date. We investigate the potential applications of epigenetics in cancer detection, aging biomarkers, and preventive measures that could change the paradigm of healthcare from one that is reactive to one that is proactive. We also explore the fascinating potential of using epigenetic markers to anticipate disease before it manifests itself, particularly in the context of cancer research, and how this could impact the delivery of tailored healthcare.

You'll learn about:

• How Dr. Herzog’s background in neuroscience led her to epigenetics
• Recent breakthroughs in epigenetics and why they are promising for healthcare
• The potential of epigenetic markers to predict cancer risk and diagnose early stages of cancer
• The setup and goals of the TirolGESUND study focusing on intermittent fasting and smoking cessation
• The importance of studying epigenetic changes across different cell types and understanding the exposome
• How the exposome interacts with our epigenome and its implications for personalized medicine

Chapters: 
00:00 Welcome and introduction
02:30 Dr. Herzog’s journey from neuroscience to epigenetics
05:40 Recent breakthroughs in epigenetic research
12:10 Epigenetics and cancer risk: promising findings
19:15 TirolGESUND study: setup, interventions, and what to expect
27:40 Why studying different cell types matters in epigenetics
32:00 Understanding the exposome and its impact on health
38:20 Future steps for advancing epigenetic biomarkers in healthcare
45:00 Exciting upcoming projects in epigenetics research

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Thank you for joining us at the Everything Epigenetics Podcast and remember you have control over your Epigenetics, so tune in next time to learn more about how to harness this knowledge for your benefit.

In this week’s episode of the Everything Epigenetics podcast, Dr. Gabriel Fries and I discuss the fascinating intersections of epigenetics, aging, and psychiatric disorders. Dr. Fries, an Assistant Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UTHealth, shares his groundbreaking research on the molecular underpinnings of mood disorders such as bipolar disorder and suicide risk. We dive into how psychiatric disorders are linked to accelerated aging, how drugs like lithium show promise in reversing these epigenetic changes, and the future of personalized medicine through pharmacoepigenetics.

You'll learn about:

• The importance of epigenetics in psychiatric disorders
• How psychiatric disorders accelerate the aging process
• The anti-aging effects of lithium in bipolar patients
• How epigenetic markers can help predict treatment responses
• The future of interventional trials aimed at reversing epigenetic aging
• The challenges facing the field and the need for replication studies

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Epigenetics and Psychiatry
03:08 – How Epigenetics Mediates Gene-Environment Interactions in Mental Health
06:07 – Epigenetic Aging in Psychiatric Disorders
09:20 – Exploring the Accelerated Aging in Bipolar Disorder and Suicide Risk
17:02 – The Power of Second-Generation Epigenetic Clocks (PhenoAge, GrimAge)
19:45 – What is DunedinPACE? The Pace of Aging and Psychiatric Disorders
23:10 – Lithium’s Anti-Aging Effects in Bipolar Disorder
32:00 – Future Directions: Personalized Medicine Through Pharmacoepigenetics
36:16 – Interventional Drug Trials and Preventing Epigenetic Aging
38:19 – Challenges in the Field and the Need for Longitudinal Studies
42:00 – Final Thoughts: What’s Next for Dr. Fries and His Research

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Thank you for joining us at the Everything Epigenetics Podcast and remember you have control over your Epigenetics, so tune in next time to learn more about how to harness this knowledge for your benefit.

Recent research from the University of Chicago shows that only 14% of cancers in the U.S. are diagnosed after the patient had a recommended screening test. 57% of diagnosed cancers do not have screening tests and account for 70% of all cancer-related deaths. 86% of cancer cases still go undiagnosed after recommended screenings. ‍16M+ life years saved in the U.S. from early-detection screenings. I don't know about you, but everytime I read those stats, my jaw hits the floor.

When it comes to cancer, early detection is key to saving lives. With 610,000+ cancer deaths in the U.S. each year, most of which stemming from cancer types with no FDA-approved screening options, new technology is making revolutionary strides in detecting cancers that have been previously undetectable in early stages.

There are now new tools intended to be used complementary to established cancer screening assessments. However in some cases, especially for cancer types that have no previously established screening test and are notoriously hard to detect, it may be the only warning sign currently available for providers.

In this week’s episode of the Everything Epigenetics podcast, Dr. Joshua Routh and I talk about just that. We discuss the rising cancer burden and the cutting-edge role epigenetics plays in revolutionizing early cancer detection. Dr. Routh, a molecular genetic pathologist and medical director at Precision Epigenomics, shares insights into how new diagnostics, such as Multi-Cancer Detection (MCD) tests, provide opportunities to catch cancers earlier than ever before. We also explore the technology behind these tests, their impact on patient outcomes, and what the future holds for epigenetics in diagnosing and treating cancer and other chronic diseases.

You'll learn about:

• Dr. Joshua Routh’s journey from engineering to molecular oncology.
• The alarming statistics behind late-stage cancer diagnoses and why early detection is critical.
• Current cancer screening limitations and how epigenomics offers better solutions.
• How Multi-Cancer Detection (MCD) tests like EPISEEK work to catch cancer earlier.
• The difference between EPISEEK by Precision Epigenomics and Galleri by Grail.
• Why test accuracy matters

What to expect if you get a positive cancer result and how recurrence monitoring works.
The broader future of epigenetics in treating conditions like heart disease and neurological disorders.


Chapters:

00:10 - Introduction to Dr. Joshua Routh and His Career Journey
04:48 - The Growing Cancer Burden and Challenges in Screening
09:00 - How Epigenomics is Transforming Early Cancer Detection
13:12 - Multi-Cancer Detection Tests: What Are They?
18:22 - EPISEEK by Precision Epigenomics vs. Galleri: Comparing the Leading Tests
25:27 - Cancer Therapy Resistance and the Role of Epigenet

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Thank you for joining us at the Everything Epigenetics Podcast and remember you have control over your Epigenetics, so tune in next time to learn more about how to harness this knowledge for your benefit.

In this week’s episode of the Everything Epigenetics podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Charles Breeze, an expert in computational epigenetics. We talk about his inspiring journey into the field of epigenetics, his trailblazing research on kidney function across diverse ethnic groups, and the innovative tools he's developed to push the boundaries of epigenetic research.

Dr. Breeze shares how his fascination with the complex interaction between environmental and genetic factors shaped his path into epigenetics. This passion led him to focus on understanding why certain populations are at higher risk for diseases like chronic kidney disease. His work has uncovered insights into the disparities in kidney disease risk among different ethnic groups, shedding light on genetic and environmental factors that had previously been overlooked.

To address the challenges of inclusivity and precision in epigenetic studies, Dr. Breeze developed specialized tools that enhance the accuracy of Epigenome-Wide Association Studies (EWAS). These tools aim to improve how we analyze the impact of genetics and environment on health, helping researchers study epigenetic patterns across populations more effectively. His contributions are making it easier to identify how factors like diet, stress, and pollution affect gene expression, paving the way for more inclusive and equitable health research.

Dr. Breeze earned his Ph.D. in computational epigenetics and genomics from University College London, where he was a Marie Curie fellow. He has also worked at top institutions like the University of Oxford, the European Bioinformatics Institute, and the Altius Institute for Biomedical Sciences in Seattle. There, he led the analysis and creation of important mouse genome data. Dr. Breeze has developed bioinformatics tools like eFORGE and FORGE2, which help analyze data from studies on how genes and the environment affect health (EWAS and GWAS). Dr. Breeze is a member of the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE) and the International Human Epigenome Consortium (IHEC).

You’ll learn about:
  - Dr. Breeze’s early interest in genomics, sparked by reading "Genome" by Matthew Ridley
  - His significant findings from the 2021 study titled “Epigenome-wide association study of kidney function identifies trans-ethnic and ethnic-specific loci,” which revealed ethnic disparities in kidney function
  - The challenges faced in epigenetic research due to the lack of diversity in reference data and how this impacts research outcomes
  - Proposed solutions to increase diversity in epigenomic data, including community involvement and targeted data generation
  - How his bioinformatics tools, eFORGE and FORGE2, assist researchers in understanding the complex data from EWAS and GWAS studies
  - His future research directions, including studies on kidney cancer and the expansion of pathway analysis tools

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Thank you for joining us at the Everything Epigenetics Podcast and remember you have control over your Epigenetics, so tune in next time to learn more about how to harness this knowledge for your benefit.