News from PNRI
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Genetics Research
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new podcast, “PNRI Science: Mystery and Discovery,” and we can’t wait for you to tune in!
Hosted by our CEO, Jack Faris, and introduced by his daughter, actor/producer Anna Faris, this podcast is perfect for anyone curious about science. Anna brings her unique perspective, setting the stage for a fun and engaging exploration of genetic research. No PhD required to understand or enjoy the show!
Jack and Anna bring us into the often-hidden world of science, show how what happens in a lab has real-world implications for all of us, and banter about how fun (and sometimes bizarre) genetic research can be. Join us as we go beyond the jargon to explore the passion and people behind the science.
“I’m so excited to share our podcast because science is exciting, important, fascinating, and fun—but also mysterious to regular people,” says Jack. “Our new podcast goes beyond the jargon to explore what scientists do and why they do it. It’s a very human take on a very human enterprise.”
What’s This Podcast About?
“PNRI Science: Mystery and Discovery” takes you behind the scenes of groundbreaking genetics research and how it is shaping the future of healthcare. Jack Faris, CEO of PNRI and self-proclaimed regular guy, spends his days around some of the brightest minds at PNRI. In this podcast, he sits down with our brilliant scientists to uncover how rapidly science is evolving, their inspiration for their research, what inspired this lifelong career, and the myths they aim to bust about science.
You’ll dive into intriguing topics like zombie parasites in our DNA, the complex dance of nature and nurture, centuries-old contagious cancer in clams, and how mothers are partnering with top researchers in the world to propel research at an accelerated rate. Each episode is an invitation to explore the people, the mysteries, and the discoveries that are unlocking future health breakthroughs.
“I’m so excited to share our podcast because science is exciting, important, fascinating, and fun—but also mysterious to regular people. Our new podcast goes beyond the jargon to explore what scientists do and why they do it. It’s a very human take on a very human enterprise.”
Jack Faris, PhD
PNRI CEO
Episode Line-Up
Dr. Rick McLaughlin: Driven by the Question (July 30)
In this kickoff episode, Dr. Rick McLaughlin explains the surprising connection between the human genome and an IKEA bookshelf, educates us on zombie parasites in our DNA, demystifies “junk DNA,” and makes Darwin smile.
Dr. Lisa Stubbs: Demystifying Nature vs. Nurture (August 13)
Dr. Lisa Stubbs delves into the interplay of nature and nurture with genetics and pregnancy outcomes, shares how an octopus inspired her career, and takes us through the history of the Human Genome Project.
Dr. Bill Hagopian and Michael Killian: Tracking Ghosts (August 27)
Dr. Bill Hagopian and Michael Killian discuss the TEDDY study, a 20-year project tracking environmental factors leading to type 1 diabetes. They share how tracking viruses is like tracking ghosts and why science is slow (on purpose!).
Dr. Cláudia Carvalho: Science is a Social Experiment (September 10)
Dr. Cláudia Carvalho discusses her work to solve the unsolved cases of rare diseases. She delves into how rare disease research and families are leading a revolution in medical science, how rare diseases help us understand the causes of more common diseases, and the power of global collaborations to unravel these mysteries.
Dr. Michael Metzger: Future of Healthcare from a Clam (September 24)
Dr. Michael Metzger talks about his fascinating discovery of contagious cancer in clams. Believe it or not, this cancer is over 400 years old and might help us figure out how humans can resist cancer. Who knows, we might all be thanking clams for saving us from cancer someday.
Dr. Aimée Dudley: Patients + Researchers = Strength (October 8)
Dr. Aimée Dudley explains how ordinary baker’s yeast reveals complex secrets about human health and how she uses it to help doctors diagnose urea cycle disorders – life-threatening conditions for newborns. She shares how the remarkable passion and resilience of families living with these disorders inspires her and drives her to push the boundaries of her research.
Join Us Every Two Weeks
New episodes of “PNRI Science: Mystery and Discovery” will be released every two weeks. Mark your calendars and get ready to dive deep into the awe-inspiring world of genetics research.
How to Listen
Subscribe today on your favorite platforms: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. We can’t wait to embark on this journey of mystery and discovery with you!
Happy listening!