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

In Vivo on Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-vivo/id1775578563

In Vivo on Amazon Podcasts - https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/1ac4dbec-df46-4d1f-b0a1-742e9656ef44/in-vivo#biodiversity

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

Is bioelectricity the missing key to regeneration and healing? Dr. Michael Levin challenges the DNA-centric view of biology and reveals how bioelectric signals shape our bodies, direct cell behavior, and even influence cancer growth.Topics we cover:- Why bioelectricity, not just DNA, determines body shape- How cells communicate & self-organize without a genetic blueprint- The future of regenerative medicine & bioelectric healing- Why some animals can regenerate limbs—and why humans lost this ability- How bioelectricity could change the way we treat cancer- The philosophy of intelligence: Do cells "think" & make decisions?- How Michael Levin’s work could reshape AI, medicine, & our understanding of lifeAbout Dr. Michael Levin:Dr. Michael Levin is a biologist and bioelectricity pioneer whose research on cellular intelligence, limb regeneration, and morphogenesis is redefining how we understand life itself.Listen in to explore the next frontier of biology!• Introduction to Bioelectricity and Beyond the DNA-Centric Model - 00:02:36• Exploring Planaria and Its Unique Properties - 00:03:18• Regeneration and Holographic Information in Planaria - 00:06:33• Challenges in Transgenic Manipulation of Planaria - 00:10:26• Bioelectric Circuits as Software for Biological Hardware - 00:21:17• The Role of Bioelectricity in Morphogenesis - 00:24:07• Manipulating Bioelectric Patterns in Planaria - 00:28:35• The Philosophical Question of Information Storage in Biology - 00:30:42• Intelligence in Biological Systems - 00:37:08• The Evolution of Regeneration in Mammals - 00:42:08• Bioelectricity in Motile Cells - 00:44:39• Bioprinting and Bioelectricity in Tissue Engineering - 00:46:10• Current State of Bioelectric Research in Mammalian Tissues - 00:48:31• Bioelectric Approaches to Cancer Treatment - 00:51:45• Reconnecting Cancer Cells to Physiological Networks - 00:57:44• Advice for Students Interested in Bioelectricity Research - 00:59:27• Closing Remarks and Future Conversations - 01:01:22Dr. Levin's X page - https://x.com/drmichaellevinDr. Levin's lab - https://www.drmichaellevin.org/Dr. Levin's blog and photography - https://thoughtforms.life/Dr. Levin's advice to young scientists - https://thoughtforms.life/what-advice-do-i-give-to-my-students/ and https://thoughtforms.life/where-can-i-do-a-phd-in-bioelectricity-or-in-other-niche-topics/In 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

Can memories be inherited? In this episode of In Vivo, Dr. Oded Rechavi challenges long-held genetic dogma, revealing how RNA molecules, not just DNA, can store and transmit information across generations.Topics we cover:- How small RNAs bypass the Weismann barrier to transmit memory- Why our ancestors’ experiences might shape our biology- How C. elegans experiments reveal a hidden layer of inheritance- What this means for evolution, epigenetics & gene regulation- The controversial history of Lamarckian inheritance- Could RNA therapy redefine medicine, memory & disease treatment? About Dr. Oded Rechavi:Dr. Oded Rechavi is a leading researcher at Tel Aviv University, whose work on transgenerational inheritance has redefined how we think about heredity, memory, and the evolution of life itself.Listen in to explore the future of genetic inheritance and why RNA might be rewriting biology!Introduction to Inheritance Beyond DNA - 00:00:00The Weismann Barrier Explained - 00:03:56Weismann Barrier in Relation to Darwin's Evolution - 00:06:08Introduction to C. elegans and RNA Inheritance - 00:08:27RNA and Epigenetics: Challenging Traditional Inheritance - 00:09:10Mechanisms of RNA Transfer in C. elegans - 00:14:40Amplification and Persistence of RNA Across Generations - 00:15:56Example of RNA Memory in C. elegans Behavior - 00:19:47RNA's Role in Viral Immunity in C. elegans - 00:26:28RNAi and the Fight Against Genomic Parasites - 00:28:05Duration of RNA-Based Memory in Generations - 00:33:33Speculation on RNA Loss and Adaptation - 00:34:43Differences in RNA Transfer in Sperm vs. Egg - 00:38:34Time Frame for Environmental Stress to Affect Generations - 00:41:13Transgenerational Effects in More Complex Animals - 00:43:13Controversy Surrounding Transgenerational Epigenetics - 00:45:23The Dynamic and Fractal Nature of Cellular Information - 00:48:23Speculation on RNA Inheritance in Humans - 00:49:55Potential Applications of RNA Inheritance Research - 00:52:56Philosophical Implications of Inherited Memories - 00:54:36Scientific Communication Through Memes - 00:55:01Advice for Young Scientists - 00:57:27Closing Remarks - 01:00:00Dr. Rechavi's X page (the best science account on X) - https://x.com/OdedRechaviDr. Rechavi's lab - https://www.odedrechavilab.com/In Vivo on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GBvPPvSx52O6ILuam4LoX?si=6c903566ae7b4761&nd=1&dlsi=254f9f5e78194002Introduction video attribution - The New York A

Can AI help prevent the next pandemic? Dr. Artem Babaian used computational biology to uncover 130,000 new RNA viruses in just 11 days, dramatically expanding our knowledge of viral diversity.In this episode of In Vivo, we explore:-How RNA viruses evolve & why they mutate so fast- The Serratus Project and its role in global viral surveillance- How AI, machine learning & cloud computing helped accelerate virus discovery- Why most viral genomes remain hidden in public databases- The importance of open-source science & big data in biology- How this research can help predict and prevent future pandemicsAbout Dr. Artem Babaian:Dr. Artem Babaian is a computational biologist and virologist who led the Serratus Project, a groundbreaking effort that used cloud computing to scan massive genetic databases for hidden viruses.Listen in to understand how AI and big data are reshaping virology and pandemic preparedness!Introduction to RNA and Its Evolutionary Significance - 00:02:28Explaining RNA's Role in Biology - 00:02:47The RNA World Hypothesis - 00:05:06Computational Biology and Its Impact - 00:07:05The Serratus Project: Origins and Goals - 00:09:56The Sequence Read Archive and Data Mining - 00:13:03Transition from Coronaviruses to All RNA Viruses - 00:20:22Methodology and Barcoding for Virus Discovery - 00:23:05The Scale of Virus Discovery with Serratus - 00:25:27Open Sourcing and Community Science - 00:27:07The Naming of Serratus - 00:30:23Future Predictions for Virus Discovery - 00:31:40Global Genomic Surveillance and Data Sharing - 00:33:07Implications of Discovering New RNA Viruses - 00:35:00The Role of AI in Virus Discovery - 00:37:30Using AlphaFold for Viral Protein Structure - 00:55:07RNA Modifications and Epi-transcriptomics - 01:00:38Philosophical Perspectives on Viruses and Life - 01:01:20Personal Journey and Inspirations - 01:10:02The Value of Diverse Training in Virology - 01:13:43The Role of Luck and Perseverance in Science - 01:16:00Job Market for Young Scientists - 01:18:56Qualities for Success in Computational Biology - 01:23:35Creativity and Resourcefulness in Science - 01:27:13How to Connect with the RNA Lab - 01:28:25Closing Remarks - 01:30:40Dr. Babaian's Lab - https://www.rnalab.ca/Dr. Babaian on X - https://x.com/RNA_LifeThe Serratus Project - https://serratus.ioIn Vivo on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GBvPPvSx52O6ILuam4LoX?si=6c903566ae7b4761&nd=1&dlsi=254f9f5e78194002

Imagine a future where we can 3D print organs, heal spinal cord injuries, and test new drugs without animal models. That future is closer than you think.In this episode of In Vivo, Dr. Stephanie Willerth explains how bioprinting is transforming regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and personalized healthcare.Topics Covered:- How bioprinting works & how it differs from traditional 3D printing- The role of stem cells in regenerative medicine & personalized implants- How scientists are printing functional tissues & even organs- Why bioprinting could replace animal testing in drug discovery- The biggest challenges in scaling up bioprinted organs for transplantation- How bioprinted tissues could be used for disease modeling & personalized medicine- The future of biofabrication & clinical applications of 3D-printed tissuesAbout Dr. Stephanie Willerth:Dr. Stephanie Willerth is a professor at the University of Victoria and the CEO of Axolotl Biosciences, a leader in bioprinting innovation. Her work in tissue engineering, stem cells, and biomaterials is pushing the boundaries of modern medicine.Listen in to explore how 3D printing is reshaping medicine, from organ regeneration to personalized drug testing.Introduction to Bioprinting and Tissue Engineering - 00:00:00Defining Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering, and Bioprinting - 00:02:06Differences Between Traditional 3D Printing and Bioprinting - 00:03:57The Role of Bioprinting in Tissue Culture Evolution - 00:05:53Potential Applications of Bioprinting in Healthcare - 00:06:14Challenges of Bioprinting Complex Organs - 00:07:26The Importance of Stem Cells in Bioprinting - 00:09:42Engineering Stem Cells for Immune Compatibility - 01:10:40Bio Ink Definition and Function - 01:13:13Resolution in Tissue Printing - 01:13:53Differentiation of Stem Cells in Bioprinting - 01:14:56Current State and Future of Bioprinting - 01:17:24Bioprinting for Drug Screening and Disease Modeling - 01:18:24Predictive Health Applications with Bioprinted Tissues - 01:19:54Integration of Multiple Cell Types in Large Structures - 01:22:13Genetics vs. Scientist Intervention in Tissue Development - 01:24:23Monitoring and Assessing Printed Tissues - 01:26:22Easiest and Hardest Tissues to Print - 01:28:37Therapeutic Applications of Bioprinting in Hospitals - 01:32:07Synergy Between Bioprinting and Brain-Computer Interfaces - 01:37:40Bioprinting as a Tool for Testing and Development - 01:40:58The Viability of Bioprinted Food - 01:43:54Personal Journey into Bioprinting and Entrepreneurship - 01:46:17Transitioning from Academia to Industry - 01:49:19Future Adoption of Bioprinting in Medical Facilities - 01:54:24Advice for Students and Skills for Bioprinting - 01:57:49Open Source in Bioprinting and Ethical Concerns - 01:00:00Hopes for Bioprinting in the Next Decade - 01:03:02Contact Information and Lab Tours - 01:06:41Closing Remarks - 01:06:58Dr. Willerth's Lab - https://www.engr.uvic.ca/~willerth/Dr. Willerth on X - https://x.com/DrWillerthHandbook of Neural Engineering: A Modern Approac by Dr. Willerth - https://www.amazon.ca/Handbook-Neural-Engineering-Modern-Approach/dp/0323957307/ref=sr_1_1?crid=30T4ATSXUZ6YY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nZTnNzTx4HIbNNWts_LbPQ6ks7sEusaig1qrE5WKF6I.ziCXuQxYKY4ib7e9f7-Y3NJQm_XPMtUJhMHRbO9dkCU&dib_tag=se&keywords=stephanie+willerth&qid=1721329322&sprefix=stephanie+willerth%2Caps%2C86&sr=8-1Axolotl Biosciences - https://www.axolotlbiosciences.com/homeIn Vivo on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GBvPPvSx52O6ILuam4LoX?si=6c903566ae7b4761&nd=1&dlsi=254f9f5e78194002Attributions:Cellink - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvqnGjmlGaAEngineers and Geoscientists BS - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtKB0BFLy2w&t=1s

Dr. Chris Mason, NASA scientist and author of The Next 500 Years, is leading efforts to engineer human life for space travel and planetary colonization. From the Twin Study with Scott and Mark Kelly to genetic modifications for radiation resistance, this episode explores how biotechnology, genomics, and spaceflight will shape the future of our species.Topics Covered:- How genetics can help humans survive radiation & microgravity- The NASA Twin Study & what spaceflight does to the human body- How gene editing & CRISPR could prepare astronauts for Mars- The challenges of long-term space travel & planetary colonization- Why synthetic biology and microbiome engineering are key to survival- The ethical dilemmas of human genetic engineering for space- What life in space, on Mars, and beyond could look likeAbout Dr. Chris Mason:Dr. Chris Mason is a geneticist, computational biologist, and professor at Weill Cornell Medicine. He has worked extensively with NASA on space biology, including the NASA Twin Study, SpaceX collaborations, and Artemis missions. His book The Next 500 Years presents a bold plan for making humans a multi-planetary species. Listen in to explore the frontiers of genetics, space travel, and the future of humanity.Introduction to Space Exploration and Multi-Planetary Existence - 00:00:00The Role of Biology in Future Space Missions - 00:00:44The Ten Phase Plan for Engineering Life for Space - 00:01:11Ethical Responsibilities and the Book's Dedication - 00:02:01Origin of the Book and Early Thoughts on Space Exploration - 00:04:23Humanity's Drive to Explore and the Urgency of Space Travel - 00:06:42Phase One: Understanding the Human Genome - The Twin Study - 00:07:26Surprising Findings from the Twin Study - 00:08:09Immediate Telomere Elongation in Space - 00:11:03Practical Applications from Space Biology Research - 00:12:08Challenges and Innovations in Space PCR - 00:14:57Phase Two: Preliminary Genome Engineering - 00:16:48Advancements in Genome Editing Technologies - 00:17:19Long-Term Trials and Intergenerational Studies - 00:19:07Somatic vs. Germline Editing in Space Context - 00:20:11Future Phases: Synthetic Biology and Exoplanet Exploration - 00:22:15The Ultimate Goal: Multi-Planetary Societies - 00:22:32Generation Ships and Philosophical Considerations - 00:24:09Comparing Phase Ten with Kardashev Scale Achievements - 00:25:05Space Exploration Without Genetic Engineering - 00:27:44Engineering Organisms for Space Survival - 00:29:14The Extreme Microbiome Project - 00:30:45Philosophical Reflections on Humanity and Genetic Engineering - 00:32:15Concepts of Cellular, Molecular, and Planetary Liberty - 00:34:23Health Implications of Spacewalks - 00:37:21Artemis Missions and Future Lunar Studies - 00:38:42Planetary Protection and Contamination Concerns - 00:39:38Science Fiction Influences on Future Visions - 00:41:35Personal Motivations and the Fragility of Life - 00:44:10De-Extinction Efforts: The Colossus Project - 00:45:53Considering Alternative Nucleotides in Alien Life - 00:48:07Advice for Young Scientists - 00:49:26Resources for Engaging with Space Genetics - 00:52:13Closing Remarks - 00:52:40Dr. Mason's Lab - https://www.masonlab.net/NASA GeneLab - https://genelab.nasa.gov/Dr. Andy Feinberg pipetting in microgravity - https://youtu.be/FKoqqJi3-k4?si=TOvc_t-fpTxuYhHo&t=1148Attributions:SpaceX - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97GOcZ08tc4Thermo Fisher Scientific - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y2WqSdDHyo&t=18sIn Vivo on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GBvPPvSx52O6ILuam4LoX?si=6c903566ae7b4761