S2:E9 - The Clues Hidden in Donated Brains

In this episode, Sam sits down with David Thomas to explore how studying the genetics of rare cancers can reveal new insights into cancer susceptibility and how whole-genome sequencing could support personalised risk management for cancer survivors and their families. Inspired by this episode? Here’s how to connect. You can find out more about David’s work by visiting: David’s UNSW Profile David’s work with Omico Credits: Guest: Professor David Thomas Host: Dr Sam McAllery  Executive Producer: Jacob Bird  Audio Editor: Long Nguyen Audio Credits: Music from #Uppbeat: ⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/mark-july/city-lights ⁠License code: MA91CVI5KB9HED3V 

In this episode, Sam sits down with Skye McGregor to explore how data linkage is transforming HIV surveillance in Australia, helping researchers identify gaps in treatment and design more equitable, targeted public health services for diverse communities. Inspired by this episode? Here’s how to connect. You can find out more about Skye’s work by visiting: Skye’s UNSW Profile This Kirby Institute bulletin showcasing Skye’s role in the Surveillance Innovation Group Skye’s LinkedIn Profile Credits: Guest: Dr Skye McGregor Host: Dr Sam McAllery  Executive Producer: Jacob Bird  Audio Editor: Long Nguyen Audio Credits: Music from #Uppbeat: ⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/mark-july/city-lights ⁠License code: MA91CVI5KB9HED3V 

In this episode, Sam sits down with Claire Shepherd to explore how brain banking supports research into ageing and neurodegenerative diseases. From improving diagnosis to identifying disease subtypes and developing more precise approaches to prevention and treatment. Inspired by this episode? Here’s how to connect. You can find out more about Claire’s work by visiting: Claire’s NeuRA Profile The Sydney Brain Bank Webpage Credits: Guest: Associate Professor Claire Shepherd Host: Dr Sam McAllery  Executive Producer: Jacob Bird  Audio Editor: Long Nguyen Audio Credits: Music from #Uppbeat: ⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/mark-july/city-lights ⁠License code: MA91CVI5KB9HED3V 

In this episode, Sam sits down with Kate Poole to explore how cells sense mechanical forces, what happens to human physiology in microgravity and how studying biology in space could improve our understanding of ageing, disease and long-term human health. Inspired by this episode? Here’s how to connect. You can find out more about Kate’s work by visiting: Kate’s UNSW Profile The Poole Group Webpage at the UNSW School of Biomedical Science Kate’s Presentation Entitled - How Can We Better Prepare Our Astronauts For Space Travel? Credits: Guest: Associate Professor Kate Poole Host: Dr Sam McAllery  Executive Producer: Jacob Bird  Audio Editor: Long Nguyen Audio Credits: Music from #Uppbeat: ⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/mark-july/city-lights ⁠License code: MA91CVI5KB9HED3V

In this episode, Sam sits down with Greg Redpath to explore why serotonin and psychedelic compounds can produce such different effects despite action on the same receptors, and how studying their activity inside cells could inform new treatments for mental health and neurodegenerative conditions. Inspired by this episode? Here’s how to connect. You can find out more about Greg’s work by visiting: Greg’s UNSW Profile The UNSW Department of Molecular Medicine Webpage Credits: Guest: Dr Greg Redpath Host: Dr Sam McAllery  Executive Producer: Jacob Bird  Audio Editor: Long Nguyen Audio Credits: Music from #Uppbeat: ⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/mark-july/city-lights ⁠License code: MA91CVI5KB9HED3V 

In this episode, Sam sits down with Shane Grey to explore how targeting the tissue involved in type 1 diabetes could help control inflammation, improve islet-cell transplantation and support the development of new gene therapies. Inspired by this episode? Here’s how to connect. You can find out more about Shane’s work by visiting: Shane’s UNSW Profile The School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences Webpage Credits: Guest: Professor Shane Grey Host: Dr Sam McAllery  Executive Producer: Jacob Bird  Audio Editor: Long Nguyen Audio Credits: Music from #Uppbeat: ⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/mark-july/city-lights ⁠License code: MA91CVI5KB9HED3V 

In this episode Sam sits down with Michelle Farrar to explore the transformation of spinal muscular atrophy treatment. From a leading genetic cause of infant death, to a condition with effective therapies, newborn screening and dramatically improved survival. Inspired by this episode? Here’s how to connect. You can find out more about Michelle’s work by visiting: Michelle’s UNSW profile Michelle’s NeuRA Profile Michelle’s webpage on the ANZ CNS website  The Paediatric Neurology Research Group’s webpage on the NSW Kids Research website Credits: Guest: Professor Michelle FarrarHost: Dr Sam McAllery  Executive Producer: Jacob Bird  Audio Editor: Long Nguyen Audio Credits: Music from #Uppbeat: ⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/mark-july/city-lights ⁠License code: MA91CVI5KB9HED3V 

In this episode, Sam sits down with Fatemeh Vafaee to explore how AI and advanced biotechnology are reshaping precision medicine. From blood-based cancer detection to more personalised diagnosis, treatment and drug discovery. Inspired by this episode? Here’s how to connect. You can find out more about Fatemeh's work by visiting: Fatemeh’s UNSW research profile The Vafaee Lab website UNSW AI Institute website The OmniTx website Fatemeh’s LinkedIn profile Credits: Guest: Professor Fatemeh Vafaee Host: Dr Sam McAllery  Executive Producer: Jacob Bird  Audio Editor: Long Nguyen Audio Credits: Music from #Uppbeat: ⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/mark-july/city-lights ⁠License code: MA91CVI5KB9HED3V 

In this episode, Sam sits down with David Jacques to explore how understanding the structure of viral capsids can reveal new opportunities for drug discovery. From HIV treatments to the search for new ways to prevent HTLV transmission. Inspired by this episode? Here’s how to connect. You can find out more about David's work by visiting: David’s UNSW Profile The UNSW Structural Virology Research Website The UNSW Structural Biology Facility Credits: Guest: Associate Professor David Jacques Host: Dr Sam McAllery  Executive Producer: Jacob Bird  Audio Editor: Long Nguyen Audio Credits:  Music from #Uppbeat: ⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/mark-july/city-lights ⁠License code: MA91CVI5KB9HED3V 

In this episode, Sam sits down with Kate Michie to explore how AI is transforming structural biology - making protein structure prediction more accessible while opening new possibilities for personalised medicine and drug design.Inspired by this episode? Here’s how to connect.You can find out more about Kate's work by visiting: The UNSW Structural Biology Facility Kate’s UNSW Profile Credits: Guest: Associate Professor Kate Michie Host: Dr Sam McAllery  Executive Producer: Jacob Bird  Audio Editor: Long Nguyen Audio Credits: Music from #Uppbeat: ⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/mark-july/city-lights ⁠License code: MA91CVI5KB9HED3V