PNRI Science: Mystery and Discovery
PNRI Science: Mystery & Discovery goes beyond the jargon to explore the passion and people at the forefront of genetic research. Our host, Jack Faris, is CEO of Pacific Northwest Research Institute (PNRI), a 68-year-old genetics and genomics research institute in Seattle. He is also a regular guy who happens to spend his days around really smart people.
Jack interviews PNRI’s brilliant scientists to hear what excites them about genetic research, what inspired them to become scientists, and those myths about science they would love to bust. His daughter, Anna Faris, introduces each episode, connecting groundbreaking discoveries to everyday life. Join us as we dig into the mysteries that may very well hold the key to our future health breakthroughs.
Hosts:
Jack Faris, PhD
PNRI CEO
Anna Faris
Actor/Producer
Episode 1: Driven by the Question
July 29, 2024
In this episode of PNRI Science: Mystery and Discovery, PNRI CEO Jack Faris talks with Assistant Investigator Dr. Rick McLaughlin about the surprising links between your genome and an IKEA bookshelf, zombie parasites in our DNA, and the mysteries of “junk DNA.” Discover what makes Darwin smile as Rick delves into his lab’s cutting-edge research on transposable elements and hear about his exciting new project exploring the impact of viral genes on pregnancy outcomes and fetal development.
Episode 2: Demystifying Nature vs. Nurture
August 13, 2024
In this episode of PNRI Science: Mystery and Discovery, PNRI CEO Jack Faris talks with Dr. Lisa Stubbs, Interim Co-Chief Scientific Officer and Senior Investigator, about the intricate dance between nature and nurture. They explore how chronic stress and genetics shape pregnancy outcomes, drawing inspiration from everything from octopuses to the Human Genome Project.
Episode 3: Tracking Ghosts
August 27, 2024
In this episode of PNRI Science: Mystery and Discovery, PNRI CEO Jack Faris interviews Dr. Bill Hagopian and Michael Killian, leaders in the international TEDDY study, which investigates environmental factors leading to type 1 diabetes. For over 20 years, they’ve collaborated with dedicated families to collect samples from children to uncover these triggers, comparing the process to “tracking ghosts.” They explore the challenges, innovative techniques, and future directions of type 1 diabetes research, highlighting the groundbreaking work at PNRI.
Episode 4: Future of Healthcare From a Clam
September 9, 2024
In this episode of PNRI Science: Mystery and Discovery, PNRI CEO Jack Faris talks with PNRI Assistant Investigator Dr. Michael Metzger about a fascinating 400-year-old contagious cancer found in clams. Could these clams hold the key to unlocking cancer resistance in humans? Dr. Metzger breaks down how this unique cancer behaves like an infectious disease, what it can teach us about future cancer treatments, and how his lab’s innovative, interdisciplinary research is paving the way for breakthroughs.
Episode 5: Science Is a Social Experiment
September 24, 2024
In this episode of PNRI Science: Mystery and Discovery, Dr. Cláudia Carvalho joins PNRI CEO Jack Faris to discuss her lab’s work unraveling the genetic causes of rare diseases. Dr. Carvalho shares how international collaboration is accelerating breakthroughs in identifying genetic variants linked to these conditions. Her research not only advances scientific understanding but also brings hope to families affected by rare diseases.
Episode 6: Patients + Researchers = Strength
October 8, 2024
In this episode of PNRI Science: Mystery and Discovery, PNRI CEO Jack Faris sits down with Dr. Aimée Dudley, Senior Investigator and Interim Chief Scientific Officer at PNRI, to explore the innovative ways her lab is advancing genetic research. Dr. Dudley shares how her team uses yeast to uncover which genetic variants are responsible for diseases, particularly focusing on diagnosing rare conditions like urea cycle disorders in newborns. With a unique blend of creativity and collaboration between scientists, physicians, and patient families, Dr. Dudley’s work is transforming the future of genetic diagnosis and hear about Dr. Dudley’s inspiring journey into science.