Brilliant Science

As new drug discoveries advance, so should our ability to make sure those drugs will actually work. Yet pharmacokinetics still rely on non-human models, risking inefficient or even inaccurate development. Today, the path from concept to prescription can take years and well over $2 billion. But, drug development may become smarter thanks to organ-on-a-chip approaches — the specialty of Dr. Dan Tagle at the NIH. This month, Dr. Laura Moriarty and Dr. Tagle discuss the history and future possibilities of organs on chips to allow researchers to better mimic the human body.

One of the hottest science topics today is the microbiome — the microbial population that may rule your metabolism, immune system, and mood. This month, Dr. Moriarty chats with Dr. Allyson Byrd from Genentech. They discuss the importance of a healthy microbiome and what sorts of medical data can be gained from understanding microbiota better. Dr. Byrd’s work could someday help doctors design smarter treatments for all sorts of diseases aggravated by unhealthy microbes. She even shows off a new flushable device designed to make testing at home easier.

From biomarkers to cancer treatments, many groundbreaking biological research projects depend on the ability to analyze cells. But, that’s often easier said than done when heterogeneous cell samples are chock full of all sorts of cell types. This month, Laura discusses the exciting possibilities for single-cell analysis with Bio-Rad’s resident expert, Dr. Kelly Kaihara.

In 1958, “The Blob” introduced the world to a menacing literal blob that could consume everything in its path. This month, we sit down with blob expert, Dr. Adam Hoppe, Associate Professor at South Dakota State University. He uses CRISPR to perform genetic screens and identify every genetic function inside our very own blob-like primary immune cell — the macrophage. His important fundamental work will someday help researchers create targeted immunotherapies to tap the body’s own defenses for fighting diseases.

Genetic editing seems to be the hottest science topic these days. But, how are researchers actually using editing tools? This month, we talk with Dr. Chengzu Long from the New York University School of Medicine and discuss his use of CRISPR to correct Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Plus, we learn about how his team successfully corrected a genetic mutation in a 3-D heart tissue model and restored the heartbeat to levels close to that seen in the wild type model.