Meet the podcast team

85. How can we drug the undruggable?

Tune in to Discovery Matters to see how we can drug the undruggable. Dodi and Conor talk to Mark Bray, a second year PhD student in the Bowman Lab at the University of Pennsylvania, about the concept of “drugging the undruggable” for drug discovery and development. They discuss advances in medical research which has enabled us to drug molecular targets that were previously inaccessible, and the strategies that are used to devise and find effective drugs. Vicky Richon, CEO at Entact Bio, elucidates the importance of a revolutionary “induced proximity” modality for unprecedented drug treatments. Listen to this episode to understand modern approaches to treating diseases and uncovering cures.
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84. Unraveling biotech's AI transformation

Explore the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to revolutionize biomedical research and make personalized healthcare a reality.

Tune in to Discovery Matters to see how AI and machine learning will be the future of biomedical research. Featuring interviews with Professor Kourosh Saeb-Parsy and Dr Namshik Han — leaders in the AI and biotech space — this episode delves into the significance of advanced technology for unlocking discoveries in transplantation, understanding the causes of diseases, precision medicine, and more.
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83. Antibody drug conjugates

Let’s explore the world of antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) and their potential for improving human health. Our two guests—Principal Investigator Sasha Ebrahimi from GSK and oncologist Dr. Paolo Tarantino—discuss the development and advantages of ADCs, and how they can be used to personalize treatments for cancer and other illnesses. Sasha explains how ADCs combine the targeting capabilities of antibodies with the cytotoxic effects of drugs, while Dr. Tarantino delves into his own research with breast cancer and immunotherapies. Learn more about the possibilities of ADCs in this insightful episode of Discovery Matters.
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82. Best of 2023

Are cells really conscious and can marine microbes fight cancer? On the Discovery Matters, we look back on potential therapies that could revolutionize healthcare. From exploring revitalized therapies such as psychedelics, to delving into patient-derived organoids and freeze-preserved stem cells, to studying the formation of earth-like planets found in the harshest of environments, we dive into some of the most important and exciting research breakthroughs of the year. Join Dodi and Conor in this episode to learn more about the possibilities of science and the implications for healthcare and patient care. Tune in and never underestimate the power of discovery!
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81. Access in developing nations

Challenges of improving access to healthcare in developing countries - it's a conversation we need to have. With the help of Dr Jerome Kim, Director General of the International Vaccine Institute, we discuss vaccination and immunization programs as a key aspect of public health and global development – especially in developing nations, where access to life-saving medicines is often limited or non-existent. Karen Heichman, Deputy Director of Diagnostics, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, takes us on a journey on the critical role of diagnostics in the fight against diseases.
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80. Different strokes from different folks

Join Conor and Dodi in the latest episode of Discovery Matters, as they explore the wonders of ground-breaking scientific discoveries from multidisciplinary collaboration. MIT's Professor Pete Dedon expresses how multidisciplinary approaches and unique combinations of experiences can help to produce unexpected results. Professor James Evans of the University of Chicago then brings in the concept of surprise and hypergraphs to uncover the connections between different fields of knowledge. With insights from their guests, the latest episode of Discovery Matters dives deep into the mechanics behind groundbreaking discoveries. Jump in and listen to discover new ways to think about innovations and uncover the next amazing breakthrough!
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79. Patient-derived organoids (part 2): Organic electronic materials

Let’s explore the world of organoids and their potential to revolutionize the way we treat diseases. Joined by Matthias Zilbauer and Roisin Owens, we look at the interplay of the gut-brain axis with the use of organic electronic materials. Dive into the advances in organoid and microbial models used to develop treatments for illnesses such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s Disease, and Ulcerative Colitis. Join Dodi and Conor to find out how bioengineering could change our understanding of health and disease - and our own lives.
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78. Lipid nanoparticles: a special delivery service

In this episode of Discovery Matters, we sit down with Dan Peer to discuss the exciting potential of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to deliver genetic material and therapeutics to target cells and tissues, with the goal of improving human health. Dan shares how his team has developed siRNA LNPs to deliver treatment more efficiently for ovarian cancer patients. He describes the promise of mRNA therapies and delivery systems to reduce side-effects and improve patient outcomes. From Dan's unique perspective, learn why this technology is cutting edge, and why it may help defeat one of mankind’s biggest enemies— cancer. Tune in to this episode and learn more about Dan's work and the unique potential of LNPs.
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77. Combination therapies and serendipity

This episode is all about combination therapies. We dive into the mysterious power of the human microbiome and its importance in modern health, as well as the power of serendipity in understanding and treating anti-microbial resistance

Through a discussion of combination therapies, Dodi and Conor delve into the mysterious power of the human microbiome, and antimicrobial resistance. With evidence of the microbiome playing a key role in fighting diseases, this episode highlights the importance of understanding the microbiome and its potential to improve lives. Tune in to find out more and explore the possibilities of the microbiome with Dr Saman Maleki, and the power of serendipity with Prof Pete Dedon!
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76. Liquid biopsy

In this episode, we dive into the potential of liquid biopsies as a method to detect deadly diseases. We speak with three experts – Marta Herreros, Rik Bryan, and Doug Ward – to learn more about the non-invasive nature of liquid biopsies and the process of detecting biomarkers within a patient sample. Rik and Doug discuss their GALEAS Bladder test, which can identify key mutations present in 96% of bladder cancer patients. Tune in to learn more about the potential of liquid biopsies and the importance of early detection!
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75. The state of the industry

Why do China and US have different government regulations? Why can’t we do business above the fray?

These are just some of the struggles biopharma executives report as impacting their business. Our guests are of the same view – the industry needs fixing.

Yingke He, CEO and Co-Founder of Forecyte Bio, explains how China's industrialized experience is limited and in its early stages compared to the US.

Listen to this episode to understand the industry tensions and areas showing promise.
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74. Patient-derived organoids

In this episode of Discovery Matters, we explore the incredible advances in precision medicine enabled by organoid technology. Vicky Marsh Durban and Oksana Sirenko contribute to the conversation, talking about how machine learning and robotics are used to scale up organoid culture and analyse data, as well as the potential of organoids to revolutionise regenerative medicine. Listen in to this episode for an insightful and informative deep dive into the potential of organoids for transforming the face of modern medicine.
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73. War! What is it good for?

War! What is it good for? In this episode of Discovery Matters, Dr. Smith explains how military medicine first shaped state medicine and how wartime creates an opportunity to innovate. From advances in prosthetics, psychology, and cosmetic surgery to the mass production of penicillin during World War II, this episode dives deep into the life-saving innovations brought over the line due to conflicts.
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72. Pioneers and visionaries – Cryogenic cold chains

On the latest episode of Discovery Matters, Dodi and Conor are joined by John Morris, a scientist at the forefront of cryopreservation technology. They discuss cryopreservation's impact on CAR-T therapies' development, why freezing cells is essential to these treatments, how tracking the samples ensures quality and the potential for frozen cells to treat solid tumors in the future. Tune in to find out how cryopreservation has transformed the life sciences and how it could revolutionize how we treat disease in the future.
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71. Revived therapies (part 2) – Phage therapy

Conor and Dodi explore the new and exciting world of bacteriophage therapy. Join them as they speak to Anton Peleg, Professor of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, and the Director of the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Alfred Hospital and Monash University, about this emerging field. Together they discuss how phages, viruses that specifically target bacteria, are being used to fight against antibiotic-resistant superbugs the challenges of producing them at scale and getting them approved by regulatory bodies.

Tune in to Discovery Matters to learn all this and more and join the conversation about these important advances in life sciences.
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70. Anti-cancer molecule

In the latest episode of Discovery Matters, Dodi and Conor are joined by Dr. Bradley Moore from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography to discuss his research into the medical and synthetic implications of using marine microbes to fight aggressive cancers such as glioblastoma. By leveraging salinosporamide A, Dr. Moore proposes that these deep-sea organisms could potentially be scaled up for human use and repurposed for medicinal and synthetic purposes. Dive into this episode to hear how the ocean has the power to bring forth new discoveries that could save lives!
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69. Never underestimate a cell

We should not underestimate cells. Conor and Dodi talk with Dr Brett Kagan who conducted research to understand the brain and test ‘sentient’ brain cells, using the 1970s game, known as ‘Pong’. In another conversation, Professor Petra Levin and Kunaal Joshi explain how they have demonstrated that there is no ‘average’ life of a cell.

At the end of this episode, we hope to have proven that cells are not to be overlooked and still have so much to tell us about human health.
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68. CRISPR and molecular aging

What do CRISPR and longevity have in common? Not much, except it's all molecular.

We speak to two different CEOs focused on improving human health. We begin with Dr Benjamin Oakes, Co-Founder, President, and CEO of Scribe Therapeutics who takes us through the discovery, potential, and possible limitations of CRISPR.

Then we are joined by fellow visionary, Dr Kristen Fortney, the CEO, and co-founder of BioAge, a clinical stage biotechnology company developing therapies that treat disease by targeting the biology of ageing.
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67. Revived therapies (part 1) – Psychedelics

Psychedelic treatment is a therapy which is on the rise according to the increasing number of studies on the use of psylocibin, ketamine and MDMA to treat mental health disorders such as PTSD. In this episode, Conor talks to Prof. Eric Vermetten, a psychiatrist who has been working with the military in the Netherlands for the last 25 years helping Dutch armed forces and the uniformed people in the face of PTSD and psychotraumatology.
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66. Getting ÄKTA ready in virtual reality

Conor and Dodi try their hand at learning to operate an ÄKTA ready in virtual reality. Their virtual journey takes them to Singapore and Miami, without leaving Sweden, Amersham, and Edinburgh. Join us on a journey into the metaverse.
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65. Best of 2022

Mushrooms on Mars, life-saving blood from worms, cell-cultured seafood. It's been a year filled with surprise, serendipity, and everything in between. Conor, Dodi, and the podcast team look back on a fascinating year and highlight their favorite interviews and topics of the year.
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64. Pain in the body and the brain

In this episode, we are focusing intently on the microbiome and how it is increasingly being linked to disease and illness. It seems that this is true for understanding illness of the body and the brain. Dr Amir Minerbi, the Deputy Director of the Institute for Pain Medicine at Rambam Medical Center in Haifa, Israel talks to us about how the microbiome may hold the secrets of fibromyalgia. This chronic disorder causes widespread pain, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and potentially dozens of other symptoms.
We are also joined by Prof Illana Gozes, Director of Elton Laboratory for Molecular Neuroendocrinology in the Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine in Tel Aviv University. She elaborates on her research surrounding the role of specific microbiota signatures as a biomarker for PTSD.
The link between physical and mental health and the microbiome is a fascinating connection, and one we intend to explore to the fullest.
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63. Organ on a chip: Part 2

In this second episode of a two-part series on organ on a chip technology, we sit down with Christos Michas, R&D scientist and engineer at Curi Bio, and Alice White, professor of mechanical engineering at Boston University. Christos and Alice are taking the organ on a chip to another level with the miniPUMP, a heart on a chip which is the first step in understanding the interaction of therapeutic drugs on the heart. As cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of death in the industrialized world, there is a lot of interest in understanding how these diseases emerge and how we can develop therapeutics.
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62. Organ on a chip: Part 1

In this first episode of a two-part series on organ on a chip technology, we discuss with Jan Turner, formerly part of Safer Medicines Trust, how these organoids can help us move away from the inefficient animal model.
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61. Genetic and genomic databases

We have a lot of information at our fingertips, so how do we make sense of it all to transform human health? Conor and Dodi speak to two experts who are making sense of this information overload by creating genetic and genomic databases. Dr Artem Babaian, a computational biologist and now Assistant Professor leading The Laboratory for RNA-Based Lifeforms at the University of Toronto, explains how he and his team uncovered 100 000 novel viruses in old genetic data that could help us predict future pandemics. Professor Jinchuan Xing, Associate Professor at Rutgers University in the Department of Genetics doing research on genomic variation, walks us through his study on using genomic data to predict infertility from aneuploid egg production.
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60. The talk on talent

Within the life sciences industry, there has been a longstanding conversation around one of the industry’s most difficult challenges. That challenge is talent. In more detail, it is that the access to a global talent pool remains difficult. In this longer than usual conversation, Conor and Dodi speak with Darrin Morrissey, the CEO of NIBRT, Anne-Cecile Potmans, general manager of Fast Trak and CDMO services at Cytiva, and Nikki Soares, global talent acquisition leader at Cytiva.
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59. Microscopic eco-warriors

Plastic and pollution are two issues that impact our planet. It would be easy to despair but once again biology has come to save us. The Alper Lab at University of Texas at Austin has engineered a plastic-eating enzyme which can shorten plastic degradation from hundreds of years to 48 hours. We speak to Dr Hal Alper, Professor in Chemical Engineering at UT at Austin, who engineered this heroic enzyme. We also speak to Marco Poletto, director and co-founder of EcoLogic studio, which is a design innovation company specializing in biotechnology for the built environment. He explains his use of microalgae to create streetlights, playgrounds, and biofilms on the outside of buildings which can capture 20 large trees worth of CO2 every day.
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58. Wastewater epidemiology: Something in the wastewater

We speak to Prof. Dominic Frigon, a specialist of biological wastewater resource recovery at McGill University, who used this technique in Quebec through the pandemic to determine areas of vulnerability, including a homeless shelter. We also speak to Dr Kata Farkas, an environmental virologist at Bangor University, to understand the wider applications and importance of this analysis technique.
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57. Special blood and transplants

This episode is all about special blood and transplants. We speak to Jon Adkins, co-founder of XenoTherapeutics, who walks us through their use of xenotransplantation for skin grafts and organ transplantation. We are also joined by Dr. Franck Zal, a marine biologist, CSO and CEO of Hemarina, to discuss the lugworm. His discovery, that the lugworms’ blood is compatible with human blood, means it can be used in medical applications for transplants.
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56. Understanding and treating Alzheimer’s

In this episode, we contemplate combatting the devastating disease that is Alzheimer’s. We talk to two experts leading two respective early-stage studies into possible treatments for Alzheimer’s. On the one hand, Dr Joshua Hare, co-founder of Longeveron, is looking at treating aging rather than the disease itself. On the other hand, Dr Lucy Vivash, a research fellow at Monash University, looks at the tackling of tau proteins.
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55. Injustice of disease burden and access to vaccines

The pandemic has been a global issue, which has benefitted from the coming together of industry, pharma, academia, non-governmental and governmental support. What it has also brought into sharp focus is the global imbalance access to healthcare and health inequity between the Global North and Global South.
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54. Mycoprotein v. cell-cultured seafood

We discuss the environmentally friendly alternative foods to meat consumption. We take a deep dive into mycoprotein and cell-cultured seafood.
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53. The future of GMOs

The future of food: GMOs. In this episode, we discuss cell cultured chocolate, and growing and consuming plants in space
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52. The magical world of fungi (part 2)

Fungi are amazing in so many ways. Did you know that fungi can be used for building materials in low resource environments? Or that they could decrease the carbon in our atmosphere? Or that they could bring extra income for low-resource communities? Chris explains that he has been using mushrooms to make building materials in low-resource environments in Namibia. These materials prove even better than concrete.
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