Fungi shape our world in ways most people don’t realize—from medicine to food, and even in public health. But right now, one of the most important fungal research collections in the world is at risk of disappearing forever.

In this episode of In Vivo, I sit down with Dr. James Scott, a leading mycologist and public health scientist, to discuss:

- How fungi are essential to medicine, food, and science

- Why the UAMH fungal biobank is facing an existential threat

- How losing this collection could impact future scientific discoveries

- What we can do to prevent this priceless archive from being lost

Join me for a crucial discussion on fungal science, public health, and what’s at stake.

James Scott's: https://lmp.utoronto.ca/faculty/james-scott

Dr. James Scott on X: https://x.com/jscott_toronto

Dr. James Scott's private lab: http://www.sporometrics.com/

Dr. James Scott's Mycology board game: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/588533030/mycology-the-board-game-of-foraging-for-fungiUAMH: https://www.uamh.ca/

In Vivo on X - https://x.com/InVivoPodOnX

In Vivo on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GBvPPvSx52O6ILuam4LoX?si=6c903566ae7b4761&nd=1&dlsi=254f9f5e78194002

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Can worms revolutionize medicine? Dr. Andrea Choe, CEO of Holoclara, is pioneering worm-derived molecules for human health. In this episode of In Vivo, we explore:- The surprising relationship between gut worms and the immune system- How worm-derived molecules could treat autoimmune diseases- Fascinating historical cases of humans coexisting with gut worms- The journey of Holoclara’s breakthrough drug into Phase 1 trialsDr. Choe explains the science of immunomodulation, the role of gut parasites in human health, and why modern medicine might be missing an evolutionary advantage.Listen in to uncover how gut worms could lead to the next wave of innovative treatments!Introduction and Congratulations - 00:02:12Background on Gut Worm Symbiosis - 00:02:51Journey into Worm Research - 00:03:09Historical Context of Gut Worms - 00:05:16Hypothesis on Immuno Modulation - 00:05:55Evolution of Gut Worms and Humans - 00:08:07Benefits of Gut Worms in Health - 00:09:26Public Perception and Black Market Treatments - 00:10:15Evidence for Immuno Modulation - 00:11:39Bio Prospecting with Worms vs. Rainforests - 00:15:54Molecule Selection for Human Trials - 00:16:53Challenges in Worm Research - 00:18:22Characteristics of Worm Researchers - 00:20:46Protein vs. Small Molecule Research - 00:22:40Philosophy of Staying Close to Nature - 00:26:13Reception of Worm-Derived Medicine in Biotech - 00:29:22Balancing Roles as PhD, MD, and Entrepreneur - 00:31:39Overview of Hola Clara - 00:33:06Leadership and Management Inspiration - 00:33:33Phase One Trials and Eosinophilic Esophagitis - 00:36:22Future Applications Beyond Current Trials - 00:39:01Navigating Research Biases - 00:40:44Regulatory Challenges with Worms - 00:43:04Timeline for Market Availability - 00:44:11Advice for Aspiring Scientist-Entrepreneurs - 00:45:19Personal Journey with Worm-Derived Medicine - 00:46:59Worm Atlas and Personalized Medicine - 00:48:01Ethical Considerations - 00:51:16Future Vision for Hola Clara - 00:52:19Closing Remarks - 00:53:11Holoclara website - https://www.holoclara.com/In Vivo on X - https://x.com/InVivoPodOnXIn Vivo on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GBvPPvSx52O6ILuam4LoX?si=6c903566ae7b4761&nd=1&dlsi=254f9f5e78194002In Vivo on Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-vivo/id1775578563In Vivo on Amazon Podcasts - https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/1ac4dbec-df46-4d1f-b0a1-742e9656ef44/in-vivo

Is your body electric? In this episode of In Vivo, Sally Adee, author of We Are Electric, explores the hidden world of bioelectricity—the long-overlooked science that could revolutionize medicine, healing, and human health.Topics we cover:-The history of bioelectricity and its forgotten pioneers- How electricity controls healing, regeneration, and even cancer- The battle between Volta and Galvani that shaped modern science- How bioelectricity could be harnessed to control cells & organs- The DARPA experiment that changed Sally’s brain and perception- What bioelectric fences in bacteria can teach us about antibioticsAbout Sally Adee:Sally is an award-winning science journalist whose book We Are Electric reveals the fascinating world of bioelectricity—a field once dismissed as pseudoscience but now on the cutting edge of medicine.Listen in to explore how we might soon control life itself with electricity!Introduction to Bioelectricity as a Unifying Framework - 00:02:06Historical Context: Galvani and Volta - 00:03:22The Schism Between Biology and Electricity - 00:05:12Impact of the Patch Clamp on Bioelectricity Research - 00:13:27Electrical Identity of Cells - 00:20:45Electrical Properties of Different Cell Types - 00:21:13Bioelectricity in Cancer and Regeneration - 00:25:29Bioelectricity in Wound Healing - 00:29:44Bioelectricity in Development and Morphogenesis - 00:34:27Experience with DARPA and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation - 00:37:53Application of Bioelectricity in Agriculture - 00:54:44Bioelectricity Across Different Species - 00:59:47Takeaways from "We Are Electric" - 01:00:52Philosophical Implications and Optimism in Biology - 01:01:18The Role of Tools in Scientific Progress - 01:07:00Future Projects and Research Directions - 01:08:00Advice for Young Scientists - 01:09:01Closing Remarks and Future Conversations - 01:11:54Learn more about Sally Adee’s work here: https://www.sally80.com/We Are Electric on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/We-Are-Electric-200-Year-Bioelectric/dp/0306826631/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fMziYVNEsvLmvpBK7yT0KmdR0uPvrD2wFSk-BwrhEVg.4G7qQexFBuStQMfx1Ak2FdNKgCzk_k4IRuxLwRedN6A&dib_tag=se&hvadid=647377417347&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9000956&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=3319241274380986381&hvtargid=kwd-1935623510346&hydadcr=22461_13336686&keywords=we+are+electric+sally+adee&qid=1737060604&sr=8-1In Vivo on X - https://x.com/InVivoPodOnXIn Vivo on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GBvPPvSx52O6ILuam4LoX?si=6c903566ae7b4761&nd=1&dlsi=254f9f5e78194002In Vivo on Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-vivo/id1775578563In Vivo on Amazon Podcasts - https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/1ac4dbec-df46-4d1f-b0a1-742e9656ef44/in-vivo