Nice Genes!

This episode was originally released on August 16, 2022

In order to seek genomic justice, you have to get out of the lab and into the field.

Dr. Kaylee Byers grabs a magnifying glass and a deerstalker cap as she goes to the scene of one of North America’s oldest cold case murder mysteries, the “Babes in the Woods.” This over 70-year-old unsolved case has finally had some closure due to emerging forensic genomic science.

But while looking for leads, Dr. Byers spots a bright red thread pointing her to questions about how our genomics are being accessed by law enforcement. How can genomics bring justice to unsolved mysteries? And at what cost are we willing to pay to find answers?

Genetic Genealogist, Cece Moore, from ABC’s Prime time series The Genetic Detective helps connect the dots. And partnering with us to get to the bottom of one of Canada’s oldest mysteries is true crime author and podcaster Eve Lazarus from Cold Case Canada.

References:

1. Eve Lazarus, Author and Podcaster
2. Murder, Mystery and Intrigue in Review: Babes in the Woods
3. Cece Moore - the DNA Detective
4. How Your Family Tree Could Catch a Killer - The New Yorker
5. Genetics, Law enforcement and crime - Personal Genetics Education Project
6. Killer Eludes Police for 31 years - how did one woman find him in two hours? - cbsnews
7. Seattle man's conviction for 1987 murders of B.C.'s Tanya van Cuylenborg and Jay Cook overturned - CBC
8. The National DNA Data Bank - The B.C. Civil Liberties Association
9. For nearly 70 years, these 2 murdered boys were known as the 'Babes in the Woods.' Now they finally have names - CBC
10. Maryland V. King - 2013 Supreme Court decision on Maryland DNA Collection Act
11. Supreme Court Upholds Warrantless Collection Of DNA - NPR
12. How DNA can reunite families - Endeavor DNA Laboratories

Rapid Evolution in the Modern Age

Evolution is like the ultimate slowburn, unfolding over millennia. And in our modern society, where things move so fast, it’s easy to miss this incremental but constant transformation. Not only is evolution happening all around us, in some cases it’s even picking up the pace.

In our season finale, our resident superhero, Ratwoman, returns with a new sidekick: The Bat Whisperer. Join Dr. Kaylee Byers and Dr. Cecelia Sánchez as they team up to explore the marvels of rapid evolution– from bats in the Solomon Islands, to modern dating. We’ll meet cave explorer and mammal detective Dr. Tyrone Lavery along with paleontologist and evolutionary biologist Dr. Nick Longrich to unlock predictions for the future, by looking into the past.

With unprecedented access to genomic information, we can now remix evolution like never before. But just because we can, does it mean we should?

Learn-a-Long: https://bit.ly/4jgbFI2

Highlights

(5:57) Into the bat cave: tracking evolution in the Solomon Islands with Dr. Lavery

(11:18) The peppered moth survival story

(20:18) Dr. Longrich explains how humans are evolving in the modern age

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Resources:

1. Charles Darwin: History’s most famous biologist - Natural History Museum

2. Bat Beauty Contest: Vote Now To Crown The Best-Looking Bat Of Them All - Forbes

3. Parallel evolution in an island archipelago revealed by genomic sequencing of Hipposideros leaf-nosed bats - Oxford Academic

4. Bats Are Going Through a Rare Evolutionary Phenomenon - Newsweek

5. The Peppered Moth - Age of Revolution

6. A continuous fish fossil record reveals key insights into adaptive radiation - Nature

7. Study of 17,000 years of fish fossils reveals rapid evolution - Science.org

8. How long does evolution take? It happens on two different timescales- New Scientist

9. Future evolution: from looks to brains and personality, how will humans change in the next 10,000 years? - The Conversation

10. Ancient Urbanization Predicts Genetic Resistance To Tuberculosis - Oxford Academic

Managing an Invisible Disease

Is there a Zombie moose on the loose?! Not quite... But there is something lurking in the woods that has our “deer” friends shakin' in their hooves. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a 100% fatal illness that’s creeping its way through cervid populations, and it’s nearly impossible to spot. Luckily, wildlife biologists like our guest Cait Nelson from the BC Ministry of Water, Lands, and Natural Resource Stewardship are on the case.

In this episode host Dr. Kaylee Byers and Cait Nelson talk about the clever scientific tools that are helping us track CWD– from grapefruit spoons to genomics! We’ll also hear from Alfred Joseph from the ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation and member of the Ktunaxa Tribe, who explains how CWD is more than just a threat to wildlife, but also has deep implications for community and food sovereignty.

Join us on a pun-packed hunt to find out how we can get ahead of this deadly and stubborn disease, one dead head at a time.

Special thanks to Jeff Berdusco, CWD Coordinator in the Kootenay region for providing field recordings for this episode.

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Highlights

(4:46) What is CWD?

(13:10) A threat to cultural independence.

(17:48) Tracking a silent killer.

Learn-along: https://bit.ly/4hersVV

Resources:

1. Chronic Wasting Disease - British Columbia

2. To Fight Chronic Wasting Disease, BC Begins to Harvest Deer - The Tyee

3. “It’s important to know about this” - risk communication and the impacts of chronic wasting disease on Indigenous food systems in Western Canada - Environmental Science & Policy

4. Chronic Wasting Disease: Prevention, Surveillance, and Response - BC Wildlife Federation

Forensic Methods in Disaster Recovery

Content warning: this episode discusses forensic science and the identification of human remains that may not be suited for all audiences.

Natural disasters can strike without warning. And when they do, they can leave destruction, displacement, and loss of life in their wake. First responders rush to help those in need, while forensic scientists face the difficult but incredibly important task of identifying human remains– a process known as Disaster Victim Identification (DVI).

In this episode, we’re going back to 2004, to the largest DVI event in recent history. Host Dr. Kaylee Byers sits down with Chief Forensic Odontologist Dr. Dirk van der Meer as he shares his first-hand experiences of helping identify victims following the devastating tsunami in Thailand. Then, how are genomics reshaping forensic identification today? We head to Australia to hear from Dr. Dadna Hartman about a new tool that’s offering answers—and closure—to families, faster than ever. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the important and fascinating world of forensic science.

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Highlights

(6:51) On the scene after the tsunami

(16:01) A speedy genomic tool

(23:00) Beyond the science

Learn-a-Long:  https://bit.ly/426bd8Y

Resources:

1.2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami: Facts and FAQs- World Vision

2. The 10 most significant natural disasters worldwide by death toll from 1950 to 2022- Statista

3. Disaster Victim Identification (DVI)- Interpol

4. Forensic odontology in DVI: current practice and recent advances- Forensic Sciences Research

5. Rapid DNA from a disaster victim identification perspective: Is it a game changer?- Forensic Science International

Rethinking the Divide in Autism Diagnoses

Dr. Hannah Belcher was already studying autism she found out she herself was Autistic. Getting her diagnosis felt like everything suddenly clicked… but why did it take so long to get answers?

In this episode, Hannah shares her journey and talks about how many Autistic people, especially women, learn to mask their true selves to fit in– causing them to slip through the diagnostic cracks. Then, we invite Dr. John Constantino to break down the genetic underpinnings of Autism Spectrum Disoder and related conditions like ADHD—and how science is shaking up the genomic picture of what we thought we knew about this male-female bias.

From outdated theories to “refrigerator mothers,” join hosts Dr. Kaylee Byers and Dr. Rackeb Tesfaye as they comb through the tangled web of sex bias and ask whether our current methods of studying neurodiversity is actually addressing the questions the people with ASD want answered?

A Note on Language:

When talking about Autism - semantics matter. So, it’s important to recognize the nuances of language. Many people in the Autism community prefer identity-first language, such as "Autistic person," as it centers Autism as a core part of their identity. Others, however, may prefer person-first language, like "person with Autism," which places the individual before the condition. We’ve used both forms of language in this episode, and we encourage respecting individual preferences by asking what each person is most comfortable with. For more on this, check out resources like the National Institutes of Health’s guide on writing respectfully about identity and the Autistic Self Advocacy Network’s explanation of identity-first language.

Additionally, when we refer to ‘Autism risk’ in the context of academic research, it typically means an increased genetic likelihood of receiving an Autism diagnosis. However, we recognize that "risk" can imply a negative connotation (which we do not support.) Instead, we aim to discuss Autism in ways that honour the neurodiversity of all individuals.

Lastly, regarding sex differences in Autism diagnoses, in this episode, we’re talking specifically about sex assigned at birth. Although we mention gender, we want to be clear that we aren’t exploring how Autism diagnoses may vary by gender identity—that area remains understudied! So, our conversation is focused on differences between males and females, and we look forward to seeing more research on the richly complex interactions between gender identitiy and neurodiversity in the future.

Highlights:

(6:32) Growing up undiagnosed

(18:52) The genetic underpinnings of Autism and related neurodiverse conditions

(22:20) Debunking the “female protective effect”

(26:37) A biased assessment

Learn-A-Long:  https://bit.ly/4g9kCRa

Resources:

1. ‘Taking off the Mask: A Practical Guide for Managing Autistic Camouflaging and Mental Health‘ - Dr. Hannah Belcher

2. Inherited Risk for Autism Through Maternal and Paternal Lineage - National Institute of Health

3. 'Decade of data dents idea of a ‘female protective effect’- The Transmitter

4. How ADHD Gender Bias is Slowly, Steadily Harming Females - ADDitude Mag

5. Refrigerator Mothers - A Discredited Cause Of Autism- Autism Help

6. Study challenges idea that autism is caused by an overly masculine brain- Science.org

7. Autism Spectrum Conditions In Women: Diagnosis, Mental Health, And The Role Of Camouflaging- Research Gate (source?)

The Deceptive Seduction of Femme Fatale Fireflies

In the buzzin’ firefly nightlife scene, neon lights glow bright and sparks fly. But, there’s murder on the dancefloor… The infamous 'Femme Fatale' firefly has mastered the ultimate bait-and-switch seduction strategy, and these sly flies (that are really beetles, actually) aren’t interested in a happily ever after, instead they’re looking for a ‘one-bite stand.’

Get consumed in this episode by one of nature’s flashiest insects. Join host, Dr. Kaylee Byers, as she chats with Dr. Sarah Lower about the enchanting world of glow beetles. And later, Dr. Peter Andolfatto reveals how genomics is uncovering the secrets behind how Femme Fatale fireflies have evolved to resort to such drastic measures. Plus, find out what studying firefly toxin DNA could mean for future medical breakthroughs.

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Highlights:

(5:40) Dr. Sarah Lower covers some firefly basics

(12:11) Dr. Lower on the deceptive strategy of the Femme Fatale Fireflies

(19:21) Dr. Andolfatto explains how fireflies have evolved difference resistance strategies to toxins

(26:02) Dr. Lower on how to get involved in firefly conservation

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Learn-A-Long: https://bit.ly/3OODRUb

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Resources:

1. A Comprehensive Review of Firefly Conservation - NCBI

2. Firefly Genome and Its Role in Bioluminescence - Science Advances

3. Patterns of Firefly Species Extinction Risk - PNAS Nexus

4. Fireflies: Species at Risk of Extinction - Xerces Society

5. Sarah Lower - Faculty at Bucknell University - Bucknell University

6. Andolfatto Lab - Andolfatto Lab

How genomics is shaping the future of cervical cancer screening

[Content Warning: This episode mentions sexual assault and medical trauma.]

Nearly 80% of people will get Human Papillomavirus (HPV) at some point in their lives. Even though HPV is super common, the symptoms are often subtle or invisible and can sometimes lead to cervical cancer if left undetected. But thanks to new government initiatives like British Columbia’s (BC) self-screening program, cancer testing is levelling up.

In this episode, BC resident Christina Price shares how an easy at-home HPV test helped her catch cancer early. Then, Dr. Aisha Lofters debunks persistent myths about HPV, and explains how these test kits are making screening more accessible, comfortable, and equitable. Join host Dr. Kaylee Byers to find out how this genomic tool is empowering people to take their healthcare into their own hands (literally!), and getting us closer to eliminating cervical cancer for good.

If you, or someone you know needs support, you can call 1-800-563-0808 or find Canada-wide resources right here.

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Highlights:

(4:25) Christina talks about the steps that happen after receiving her result from the at home testing kit.

(8:09) Dr. Lofters explains what HPV is, the symptoms and what differentiates different strains of HPV.

(15:54) Dr. Lofters explains the two different methods for HPV screening

(19:30) Dr. Lofters talk about some of the inequities and social barriers people face when finding and accessing healthcare.

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Learn-A-Long: https://bit.ly/3ONBa5i

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Resources:

1. Human papillomavirus - Women's Health

2. Doctors say at-home screening for HPV could be an opportunity to 'eliminate a cancer sooner - CBC News

3. New self-screening program will help detect cervical cancer sooner - BC Gov News

4. Pap test - Canadian Cancer Society

5. When a pelvic exam is traumatic - Harvard Health

6. “Doing it on my own terms”: Transgender and nonbinary adults’ experiences with HPV self-swabbing home testing kits - National Library of Medicine

The hidden battle between medicine and microbes

Since the discovery of penicillin in 1928, antibiotics have been our frontline defence against bacterial infections. But this revolutionary medicine is losing ground in the fight. Today, Antimicrobial resistance has become one of the biggest threats to human health– and the stakes only getting higher.

But don’t panic, hope is on the horizon!

In this episode, host Dr. Kaylee Byers takes you on a journey of petri dishes, mouldy melons, and artifical intelligence to investigate our best hopes of curbing antibiotic resistance. She chats with Dr. Rylan Duivenstein about what’s happening in hospitals, and Dr. Nadine Ziemert about using genomics to help find new antibiotics before we run out of options.

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Highlights:

(01:37) Mark is faced with the possibility of Necrotizing Fasciitis.

(04:32) Kaylee teaches us about the discovery of antibiotics.

(08:05) Dr. Ryland Duivenstein explains how antibiotics work.

(20:37) Dr. Nadine Ziemert explains how genomics is helping us discover new antibiotics.

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Learn-A-Long: https://bit.ly/4eGsTeX

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Resources:

1. Antibiotics: past, present and future - ScienceDirect

2. The real story behind penicillin - PBS NewsHour

3. The Forgotten Mother of Penicillin - Science History Institute

4. Alexander Fleming (1881–1955): Discoverer of penicillin - NCBI

5. Alexander Flemming Nobel Lecture Speech - Nobel Prize

6. How can we solve the antibiotic resistance crisis? - Gerry Wright

7. WHO - Antimicrobial Resistance - World Health Organization (WHO)

8. WHO updates list of drug-resistant bacteria most threatening to human health - World Health Organization (WHO)

9. Ziemert Lab - Translational Genome Mining for Natural Products - University of Tübingen

Separating Skincare Science Fact from Fiction

Could your skincare be hiding more than just a few blemishes? Or, is the word “toxic” getting a li’l too much attention these days… You may have heard the buzz about endocrine-disrupting compounds that silently interfere with our hormones. But with so much misinformation online fueling the fear-fire, it’s hard to know what’s really harmful and what’s all hype.

In our ‘Nice Genes!’ season 4 opener, host Dr. Kaylee Byers re-joins forces with the one and only Dr. Samantha Yammine (aka Science Sam) to clear up some of the confusion surrounding cosmetic safety. With help from environmental toxicologist Dr. Isabelle Plante, we’re un(face)masking the science of dosage and exposure to decode cosmetic formulas and why it's more complex than TikTok would have you think!

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Highlights:

(06:55) Dr. Plante Defines Endocrine disruptors.

(16:43) Dr. Plante talks about the relationship between endocrine disruptors and health concerns.

(26:38) Science Sam highlights the important role of regulation.

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Learn-A-Long: https://bit.ly/3ZAZHBf

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Resources:

1. Clean Beauty Is Wrong and Won’t Give Us Safer Products - Lab Muffin

2. Parabens in Cosmetics - U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

3. Parabens and Breast Cancer - Breast Cancer UK

4. The Association between Paraben Exposure and Human Health - MDPI

5. Parabens, Fragrance, Colorants, Talc: Debunking Bobby Parrish’s TikTok Misinformation - Lab Muffin

6. Endocrine Disruptors - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)

7. Chapter: Parabens in Cosmetics - SpringerLink

8. Environmental Exposure to Parabens and Health Effects - Nature

9. Canadian Institute for Environmental Assessment - CIAPE ICEDA

…98, 99, 100! Ready or not, here we come with a brand new season of 'Nice Genes!'

Science is like a game of hide and seek, and genomics is one of its stealthiest players, challenging us to uncover its "see-crets".

Join host Dr. Kaylee Byers for Season 4 of Nice Genes! where we shine an ultraviolet light on the hidden forces that shape our world– and investigate the genomic questions you didn’t even know you had. Like, is “clean beauty” worth the hype? Can genomics help solve the looming threat of antibiotic resistance? And WTF (what the fawn) is chronic wasting disease?!

Get ready for eye-opening episodes that are helping make the invisible, visible– with genomics! Because sometimes, the most exciting scientific questions are hidden in plain sight.