Explore every episode of the podcast Tiny Expeditions - A Podcast about Genetics, DNA and Inheritance

We’re living longer than ever, but are we staying healthy longer? In this season finale, we explore how genomics, phenomics, and lifestyle choices intertwine to shape not just how long we live, but how well we live. Guests Dr. Jennifer Lovejoy of Phenome Health and HudsonAlpha’s Nick and Meagan Cochran share how research projects like HOPE-AD are using big data, wearable tech, and personalized multimodal interventions to redefine wellness and bring new hope to Alzheimer’s disease prevention.

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “From Lifespan to Healthspan: Rethinking Brain Wellness.” If you prefer to watch your podcasts, head over to Youtube. 

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You’ve seen the headlines about new blood tests and treatments for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS, but what’s the science behind those breakthroughs? In this episode, HudsonAlpha scientists Ben Henderson, PhD, and Bri Rogers, PhD, break down the role of biomarkers and genetics in early detection and treatments of neurodegenerative diseases. Discover how research being conducted today is creating real hope for tomorrow.

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “Beyond the Headlines: How Biomarkers and Genetics are Changing Neurodegenerative Disease Research.” If you prefer to watch your podcasts, head over to our Youtube channel. 

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Join us for this tiny expedition into the world of Hollywood genetic engineering. This episode uses the film GATTACA as an example to explore the ethical implications and considerations of genetic selection and human gene editing. 

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “Designing Destiny: Ethics of Genetic Engineering."

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Join us for this tiny expedition into the world of pop culture superpowers. In this episode, we delve into the realm of superhero abilities, discussing their potential scientific basis and plausibility. 

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “From X-Men to Real Men: The Science Behind Superhuman Traits.”

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Join us for this tiny expedition into the world of cinematic mutations. This episode explores the possibilities and limitations of how DNA mutations occur and asks whether green sludge can actually turn you into a ninja, a turtle, or both. 

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “Cinematic Mutations: Turtle Power!”

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Join us for this tiny expedition into the world of genetics in pop culture. This episode broadly examines how science is represented in movies, TV shows, and more, setting the stage for the rest of the season. 

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “Real versus Reel: The portrayal of science in pop culture.” 

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Genetics and biotechnology are everywhere in pop culture these days. But have you ever wondered if the science behind those movies and TV shows is realistic? We’ll be joined by expert guests who will help us separate science facts from Hollywood elaboration. We’ll explore the ethics of gene editing, see if CSI's forensics hold up under a microscope, explore the realities and limitations of genetic mutations, and more. Coming in April 2024. 

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Join us for this tiny expedition as we learn about a unique peanut breeding program that gives back to a local community in big ways. You’ll hear from several individuals involved in the program, including teachers and researchers. 

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “Peanuts for the future: how students are collaborating to improve the legume we love.” 

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Join us for this tiny expedition as we explore the world of precision healthcare. You’ll hear how scientists work to understand the genetic basis of cancer and how one company is helping make genetic testing and information more accessible for all.  

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “Navigating cancer: precise science, precise care.” 

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Genetics doesn’t have to be complicated. Tiny Expeditions is a science podcast that explores how DNA plays a role in our everyday lives, from the food we eat to the medicine we take.

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Crossover episode! Join us and our friends and Genome Insider for this tiny expedition into the world of rubber. You’ll hear from scientists and innovators working to create better, more sustainable sources of natural rubber.  

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “Growing a Shrubbier Version of Rubber.”

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Join us for this tiny expedition as we learn how science is preparing us for future novel pandemics. You’ll hear from scientists and innovators working to ensure we can more rapidly detect, diagnose, and treat pathogenic outbreaks.  

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “The future of pandemic preparedness: Insights from biotech experts.” 

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What happens when a rare disease diagnosis changes everything? When you're told your child will never walk, never talk. On this episode, we learn about Rett Syndrome and sit down with a parent who became his daughter’s fiercest champion and a patient advocate committed to giving these families hope. Join us for an inspiring conversation about finding strength, building community, and living life to the fullest.

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “Turning Pain Into Purpose: Advocating for Families with Rett Syndrome.”

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Join us for this tiny expedition as we journey to northern peat bogs and learn their importance in our fight against climate change. 

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “Moss to the rescue: peat bogs and the fight against climate change”

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Join us for this tiny expedition as we dive into some ethical considerations surrounding using DNA technology and genetic genealogy in forensic science. 

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “Forensic DNA technology: Justice at what cost?”

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Join us for this tiny expedition into forensic science and learn how forensics experts and law enforcement use various DNA technologies to help solve crimes. 

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “The science of crime: forensics and DNA technology.”

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In Season 4, we will explore how DNA and genomic technology are helping us tackle big challenges threatening our planet. We’ll talk about how genetics is being used to solve more crimes, how preserving peat bogs is crucial to our quest to quell climate change, how scientists are working to prepare for future novel pandemics, and much more.  

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Join us for this bonus tiny expedition into cancer prevention and diagnostics research and hear about a program that is trying to bring genetic testing for cancer risk to everyone.

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit "Arriving early to the fight against cancer." 

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Join us for this tiny expedition into rare disease research and advocacy. You’ll hear from a family who turned their experiences caring for their son with a rare disease and turned them into an advocacy organization to help other parents. You will also learn how scientists are trying to end the long and emotional diagnostic odysseys that many patients and their families endure. 

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “Solving a diagnostic puzzle: the challenges of rare diseases.”

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Join us for this tiny expedition into cancer research and hear how scientists use cutting-edge technology to help diagnose, treat, and hopefully even prevent cancer.

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “When cells kill: understanding cancer.”

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Join us for this tiny expedition as we explore more bioethical concerns surrounding genetic testing. In this episode, we dive into inequities in access to genetic testing based on racial and socioeconomic status.

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode and our featured guests, visit "Accessing genetic testing: who's in and who's out?" 

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Join us for this tiny expedition into the brain and learn how scientists unravel the genetics behind many neurodegenerative diseases to help develop better diagnostic and treatment options. 

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “When our brains fail us: an exploration of neurodegenerative diseases.”

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Join us for this tiny expedition into the bioethics surrounding genetic testing. We will answer questions like, 'Will my testing results be used against me for insurance coverage purposes?', 'Can my genetic testing results be used to convict a family member of a crime?', and 'What are experts doing to ensure genetic testing is useful and equitable for all?'

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “Keep your data to yourself: a conversation on bioethics and genetic testing”. 

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When more than 20 children worldwide developed similar neurodevelopmental symptoms, scientists turned to DNA for answers. In this episode, we explore how researchers used innovative genetic tools—and a little matchmaking—to identify variants in the gene ZMYM3 as a potential cause. Go behind the scenes in the lab to see how science is ending diagnostic odysseys for families around the world.

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit "DNA Clues: Diagnosing the Undiagnosed." 

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We're sorry that we couldn't bring you a new episode last week, but sometimes life happens. Please enjoy this bonus episode starring Dr. Neil Lamb, the new president of HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. In this episode, Dr. Lamb explains the many flavors of genetic tests that are out there and what you can reliably learn from each of them. 

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Join us for this tiny expedition into genetic ancestry testing.  We will learn how genetic testing companies use your DNA to infer family relationships and hear our resident expert talk about his personal story of using his genetics to discover information about his relatives.

To go behind the scenes and learn more about the technology driving genetic ancestry testing, visit "The Story of Humanity Written in Our DNA". 

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In Season 3, we will explore the many ways that DNA influences human health and disease. We'll talk about how genetics can uncover distant relatives you've never met, help doctors prescribe medications more accurately, and diagnose diseases like cancer, autoimmune diseases, and neurological diseases. 

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Join us for this tiny expedition into the world of agricultural biotechnology. We will learn some of the roles that biotechnology plays in the plant and agricultural fields, and how scientists are using science and technology to help feed and fuel Earth's growing population.

To go behind the scenes of our journey into the lab and growth rooms, visit "How is biotechnology helping to feed and fuel the world?" 

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Join us for this tiny expedition into space. We will learn how scientists are trying to grow plants in space to feed future space inhabitants while also improving plants back on earth.

To go behind the scenes and learn more about SustainSpace and the HudsonAlpha Genome Sequencing Center, visit "What happens when you put plants in space?". 

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Join us for this tiny expedition into the world of craft beer. We will learn how scientists are trying to create regional varieties of barley and hops that can be grown across the US and using gene edited yeast to make fun and unique craft beer flavors.

To go behind the scenes and learn more about barley, hops, and yeast, visit "Can science create the perfect craft beer?". 

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Join us for this tiny expedition as we splash into the aquatic world of duckweed, a tiny plant that has enormous potential to benefit us and our planet. From feeding humans and animals to eliminating chemicals and heavy metals from contaminated water sources, duckweed can do it all.

To go behind the scenes of our trip to the Harkess lab, visit Can a Weed Save the World?  

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Join us for this tiny expedition into the world of chocolate and learn how scientists are trying to save our favorite candy bars by improving the plants that produce the tasty ingredients that make up these sweet treats.

To go behind the scenes and see the peanut field and candy shop, visit Can Science Save Your Favorite Candy Bar? 

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Learn how two scientists who set out to immortalize Auburn University’s Toomer’s Oak trees actually ended up creating a college class that makes hands-on science experiences accessible to all students.

To go behind the scenes to hear additional audio and see pictures from the lab, visit Will science emerge as the real champion in a football rivalry gone bad? – HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology

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In Season 2 of Tiny Expeditions, we will be looking at what tiny science can tell us about the world of agriculture. During each expedition we will journey into the lab and hear from some of the world’s leading scientists. We’ll talk about how genetics may have saved your favorite candy bar, what happens when you put plants in space, can a weed save the world, or can science help create the perfect craft beer?

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Ever wondered what makes your brain so incredibly complex, or what happens when things go wrong? Join us for this tiny expedition as we demystify brain health and disease, breaking down the intricate cellular makeup of the brain and its vital functions. You’ll learn about the spectrum of brain diseases and disorders and how ongoing research is transforming our understanding of these often devastating diseases.

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “Brain Health: What happens when things go wrong?”

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Learn about the genetic trends that created the incredible spectrum of human diversity.

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From endangered species to extinct ones, learn how genetics help change the game for conservationists.

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Learn what the genetics of spots and stripes can teach us about basic biology and human development. 

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Are zebras white with black stripes or black with white stripes? Plus, what can zebra stripes tell us about fundamental biology and even human health.

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Learn why dogs come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, while house cats are all basically built the same. Plus, why house cats are just a little wilder than pet dogs.

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Learn how a one-in-a-billion change in DNA alters the appearance of some very striking wolves...and it's all thanks to dogs.

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Learn about the new podcast from HudsonAlpha, and get ready to take some little journeys into the tiny science of genetics.

http://tinyexpeditions.org

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Get ready to dive into the most complex organ in your body: the brain! Our new season of Tiny Expeditions is all about brain health – what makes a brain healthy, what can go wrong, and how cutting-edge science is fighting diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and more. We'll talk to leading scientists about their groundbreaking research and hear powerful stories from individuals and families directly impacted by these conditions. 

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Join us for the Season 5 finale as we take you inside the Tiny Expeditions Writers’ Room. We tried our hand at writing a science fiction movie script and consulted with our expert guest to help us determine whether the science was accurate. 

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “Tiny Expeditions Takes on Screenwriting: The Great Goose Genetic Espionage.” 

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Join us for part two of our tiny expedition into the Hollywood writers’ room. We wrap up our conversation with a pair of filmmakers, exploring the ways that science and Hollywood influence each other, current scientific topic trends in Hollywood, and the scientific method as a storytelling structure.

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “Blending Science and Storytelling: Insights from Hollywood Filmmakers.” 

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Join us for this tiny expedition into the metaphorical writer’s room as we chat with a pair of Hollywood filmmakers. We will explore the challenges of accurately portraying scientific concepts in movies, the balance between fact and fiction, and the impact of science fiction on both audiences and creators.

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “The Art of Science in Cinema: Insights from Hollywood Filmmakers.”

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Join us for part two of our tiny expedition into the world of Hollywood genetic engineering. In this episode, we explore the possibilities and Hollywood elaborations of genetic engineering. 

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “Genetic Engineering Part Deux: The One NOT About Ethics.” 

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Tiny Expeditions is on the road! We're kicking off Season 7 in southeast Alabama to explore the WIREGRASS Peanut Project. Join us as we talk with local educators and students who are getting their hands dirty with real science, extracting DNA from peanut leaves and contributing directly to global genomic research to support local farmers.

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “The Wiregrass Peanut Revolution.” If you prefer to watch your podcasts, head over to Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2mSYzAnRRQ] 

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Welcome to a brand-new season of the Tiny Expeditions! This season, we’re heading to the heart of the Wiregrass region in Alabama to explore a groundbreaking initiative: HudsonAlpha WIREGRASS Peanut Project. Dothan, Alabama, is known as the "Peanut Capital of the World," but the industry faces modern challenges like drought and disease. Enter biotechnology. We’re going behind the scenes to see how HudsonAlpha is using genome-directed breeding to create a more resilient peanut, and they aren't doing it alone. 

In this season, you’ll meet the local high school students who are stepping out of the classroom and into the lab. Through the WIREGRASS Peanut Project, these student scientists are performing 31-step DNA extractions and analyzing genomic data to help breeders select the crops of the future. 

In this season, we explore: 

The Science: How genomics is "future-proofing" our food supply. 

The Education: How local schools are becoming hubs for biotech innovation. 

The Future: How the new Wiregrass Innovation Center is attracting biotech companies and high-wage jobs to the region. 

🧬 Learn more about the initiative: https://www.hudsonalpha.org/wiregrass/ 

🔔 Subscribe to follow our journey through the fields and labs of the Wiregrass!

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Peanuts aren’t just a crop; they’re an economic engine. In Dothan, Alabama, and across the Wiregrass, peanuts drive local economies, support families, and shape community identity. In this episode, we dig into how the humble legume sustains life and livelihood across the Southeast.

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit https://www.hudsonalpha.org/a-crop-that-built-a-community/ 

If you prefer to watch your podcasts, head over to Youtube at https://youtu.be/hss4bY2Z3NE 

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