114. Structural biology and crystallography

In this episode of Discovery Matters, new research using the Swedish Twin Registry reveals that genetics may account for up to 50% of intrinsic lifespan, far more than previously thought. Associate Professor Sara Hegg (Karolinska Institutet) explains what heritability really means, why earlier models underestimated genetics, and what this does (and doesn’t) mean for lifestyle, biohacking, and aging interventions. The result: a more nuanced view of how biology, chance, and choice shape how long we live.

AI is moving fast — but is life science actually adopting it?In this episode of Discovery Matters, we explore how artificial intelligence is being used across pharma and life sciences, and where progress is still cautious. Joined by Joe Luminiello, CEO of RCG Intel, we discuss the balance between speed and safety, innovation and regulation, and why human context still matters as much as algorithms.Cutting through the hype, this conversation asks not just whether the industry should use AI — but how to do it thoughtfully.

On this episode of Discovery Matters, Conor speaks with Samuel King, a Stanford PhD researcher working at the intersection of AI and biology. Samuel explains how biological language models can be trained on DNA to design entire viral genomes — including bacteriophages that can kill drug‑resistant bacteria.The conversation explores how AI is accelerating biological discovery, why viruses can be powerful tools for good, and the ethical guardrails needed when working at the frontier of life sciences. It’s a fascinating look at how AI is becoming a partner in research — and what that means for the future of biology.

What if curing disease came down to better directions?This week on Discovery Matters, we’re talking viral vectors, AI, and why delivery is the unsung hero of gene therapy. Dr. Lijia Ma joins us to explain how scientists are engineering biological “postmen” to find new destinations beyond the liver — including the brain — and why timing matters just as much as location.With insights from Cytiva’s Peiqing Zhang, we explore how advanced biology, data science, and biomanufacturing all collide to turn promising therapies into real-world treatments.

In this episode of Discovery Matters, we explore the science, stigma, and innovation behind one of medicine’s most misunderstood hormones. We are joined by Shalin Shah, CEO of Marius Pharmaceuticals, to unpack why testosterone plays a foundational role in health for both men and women, how flawed studies and outdated perceptions shaped public opinion, and what it really takes to bring evidence‑based hormone therapies to patients. From regulation and innovation to patient outcomes, this conversation reframes testosterone as a core component of everyday health — not a cultural stereotype.

Oligonucleotides are moving beyond rare diseases—but scaling them is anything but simple. As therapies target larger patient populations, new synthesis technologies must stand up to real‑world manufacturing constraints, regulatory scrutiny, cost pressures and sustainability demands.In this episode of Discovery Matters, industry experts explore what it really takes to make oligos at scale. From the limits of legacy synthesis methods to the promise - and risk - of data, automation and AI, they unpack why progress depends on mastering fundamentals before accelerating innovation.The takeaway? The future of oligos isn’t just better science. It’s smarter, scalable and collaborative manufacturing—built to reliably deliver life‑changing medicines to patients.

Global health has hit a low tide, but the story doesn’t end there. In this episode, we revisit Dr. Jerome Kim of the International Vaccine Institute to explore funding cuts, shifting power, and how regions like Africa and Europe are stepping up to reshape vaccine security and pandemic preparedness.

What does real innovation in life sciences actually look like?In this episode of Discovery Matters, we explore innovation from both a scientific and deeply human perspective. Guests Helena Strigård, CEO of Ventures Accelerated, and Lisa Lindström, Business Reinvention Leader at EY, share how AI, precision partnering, empathy, and behavioural insight are reshaping life sciences — and why true innovation depends as much on curiosity, collaboration, and judgment as it does on technology. From navigating financial headwinds to designing patient‑centred solutions, this conversation looks at how ideas move from possibility to real‑world impact.

In this episode of Discovery Matters, we explore both sides of the gene‑editing coin: the tools that cut DNA and the technologies that safely deliver them where they need to go.First, we’re joined by Dr. Stephan Riesenberg from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, who takes us inside the world of synthetic guide RNAs. Then, we zoom out to delivery and analytics with Adam Crowe, Senior Manager of Nanomedicine Analytical Development at Cytiva. Adam reveals why lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are both powerful and incredibly complex, and how cutting‑edge analytics are critical for turning promising gene‑editing tools into real medicines.

In this episode, we talk with Prof. Tej Pal Singh, a leading figure in structural biology whose work has revealed the shapes and functions of hundreds of important proteins. He shares how these discoveries have helped us better understand immunity, inflammation, and disease—and how they’re guiding new approaches to designing medicines. From breakthrough crystal structures to innovative peptide work, Prof. Singh offers a clear, inspiring look at how structural biology drives modern medical progress.