A Diagnostic Breakthrough for Alzheimer’s with Dr. Jonathon Hill

BioTalk Unzipped

A Diagnostic Breakthrough for Alzheimer’s

Summary

In this conversation, Dr. Jonathan Hill discusses his work in nanopore sequencing-based technology and its applications in genetic and epigenetic research. He shares his experiences working in Brazil and his passion for preserving the rainforest. The conversation also explores the use of AI in analyzing the genetic underpinnings of tobacco addiction and the potential impact on addiction treatment. Dr. Hill highlights his lab's breakthrough in identifying early biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease using DNA methylation signatures.

Takeaways

• Nanopore sequencing is a powerful technology that allows for real-time analysis of native DNA and RNA, regardless of length, and provides valuable insights into genetic and epigenetic research.

• Preserving the rainforest is crucial, and initiatives like the Rainforest Trust play a vital role in protecting the biodiversity and resources found in these ecosystems.

• AI technologies, when used in conjunction with genetic research, can accelerate the identification of candidate genes associated with complex conditions like tobacco addiction, leading to personalized approaches for smoking cessation and addiction treatment.

• The integration of AI technologies in genetic research should be approached with caution, as the black box nature of AI can limit our understanding of the underlying biology. It is important to carefully test and explain AI models to build trust among users.

• The use of nanopore sequencing and DNA methylation signatures shows promise in the early detection of Alzheimer's disease, potentially allowing for personalized approaches to treatment and intervention.

Sound Bites

• "One of my bucket list items, one of my dreams would be to set up a nanopore sequencing lab in the Amazon and just sequence that biodiversity and create that data so we could glean it for everything it's worth and learn so much about how our world works."

• "Nanopore sequencing is based on protein nanopores that exist in nature, and these particular nanopores can pass DNA through the pore."

• "AI technologies, when used in conjunction with genetic research, can accelerate the identification of candidate genes associated with complex conditions like tobacco addiction, leading to personalized approaches for smoking cessation and addiction treatment."

• “Biology is not rocket science, it’s much harder.”

• "Better diagnosis comes better treatment."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:51 Donation to the Rainforest Trust & Time in Brazil

06:37 How Nanopore Sequencing Works

12:45 New News! AI and the Genetic Code of Tobacco Addiction

15:20 Using AI in Nanopore Sequencing at Wasatch Labs and Diagnostics

21:14 Finding Cell-Free DNA for Fertility Treatments

22:56 Breakthrough - Finding Early Biomarkers for Alzheimer’s

New News Article

Breaking the Genetic Code of Tobacco Addiction

https://neurosciencenews.com/genetics-tobacco-addiction-ai-25937/

How to reach us:

Dr. Jonathan Hill

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathon-t-hill/

Wasatch Labs: https://www.wasatchbiolabs.com/

Dr. Chad Briscoe

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadbriscoe/

Celerion - https://www.celerion.com/

Gregory Austin

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoryaustin1/

ECI - https://eci-rx.com /

Image Credits

Rainforest Trust - https://www.rainforesttrust.org/

https://www.envirobuild.com/blog/rainforest-trust

Fire Sponge

https://stock.adobe.com/

Amazon

Photos: Shutterstock

Medicine Man

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/stills-from-the-movie-medicine-man-32217/medicine-man-5-159239/

https://www.solarnavigator.net/films_movies_actors/medicine_man.htm

Oxford Nanopore Technologies

How nanopore sequencing works

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcP85JHLmnI

Keywords

nanopore sequencing, genetic research, epigenetics, rainforest preservation, AI, tobacco addiction, addiction treatment, Alzheimer's disease, DNA methylation

#nanopore, #geneticresearch, #epigenetics, #AI, #addiction, #alzheimers, #DNA