Absolute Gene-ius

Cancer research is moving fast, and molecular tools are helping scientists see more, measure more, and ask better questions. In this Science Snapshot episode of Absolute Gene-ius, Jordan Ruggieri and Lisa Crawford revisit memorable oncology-related clips from past conversations. Dr. Raquel Munoz explains how CAR-T cells are engineered to recognize and kill cancer cells, and how PCR-based methods c...

In this episode, Michael Stump and Matteo Franco from ProtaGene explore the growing importance of integration site analysis (ISA) in cell and gene therapy. As viral vectors like lentivirus and AAV become more widely used, understanding where and how they integrate into the genome is essential for assessing genotoxicity and long-term safety. The discussion dives into how sequencing reveals integrat...

PCR may be decades old, but it is still one of the most versatile tools in modern molecular biology. In this crossover episode, Absolute Gene-ius welcomes Steve Lewis, host of Speaking of Mol Bio and Director of Product Management at Thermo Fisher Scientific. Steve discusses why PCR remains so broadly relevant across research and applied science, from human identification and food testing to gene...

Dr. Robert Philibert joins the show to unpack the fascinating world of epigenetics, where environmental factors like smoking, alcohol, and lifestyle reshape how genes are expressed. He explains how methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin structure act as regulatory layers on top of DNA, influencing disease risk far more than previously thought. The conversation dives into how technologie...

Multiplexing is reshaping how scientists think about PCR experiments, turning single-target workflows into powerful, multi-dimensional analyses. In this Science Snapshot, we revisit standout moments from past episodes to explore how multiplexing is applied across research areas, from measuring interferon-related genes in lupus to analyzing complex microbial communities and detecting low-level dono...

In this episode, Fiona Connolly, former Platform Innovation and Automation Scientist at bit.bio, explains how deterministic programming replaces the traditional “pinball machine” model of stem cell differentiation with precise genetic instructions. By identifying the exact transcription factor combinations, the “cheat codes” that define specific cell fates, Fiona’s team engineers induced pluripote...

Science doesn’t just advance through breakthroughs, it advances through mistakes. This Science Snapshot episode embraces a universal truth of research: if you haven’t messed something up in the lab, you probably haven’t been there very long. From chemical reactions gone wrong to experiments derailed by one small oversight, these stories are as relatable as they are unforgettable.  In this curated...

Viruses are not always something to fear; they can also be tools to heal. This episode looks into this positive side of viral biology. Dr. Dan Mitchell, Senior Director of Analytical Development and Quality Control at Matica Biotechnology, joins the show to unpack the science and strategy behind viral vector manufacturing in a CDMO environment. He explains what CDMOs do, how they support cell and...

In this episode of Absolute Gene-ius, the hosts dive into the evolving world of precision oncology, where detecting rare molecular signals can make all the difference. Dr. Kathie Sollweck brings deep expertise from her work in medical affairs and oncology to explain how modern molecular tools are reshaping cancer research. She breaks down liquid biopsy approaches, including cell-free DNA and circu...

PCR inhibitors are everywhere and they can definitely mess with your data. From muddy lake water to complex viral vector preparations, inhibition is a reality that can’t be ignored. In this inaugural Absolute Gene-ius: Science Snapshot, hosts Jordan Ruggieri and Lisa Crawford revisit standout moments from past seasons to explore how scientists across disciplines deal with PCR inhibition. Through c...

What do vineyards, airborne spores, and digital PCR have in common? Turns out – quite a lot. This episode kicks off Season 4 by going green with plant pathology and molecular diagnostics.  Lexi Heger, a PhD candidate in plant pathology and molecular plant sciences at Michigan State University, joins the show to discuss her work on grapevine diseases, particularly downy mildew caused by Plasmopara...

We’re back and better than ever. Season 4 of Absolute Gene-ius is officially here, and this teaser gives you a front-row seat to what’s coming. From scientific puns to sneak peeks of the upcoming guest lineup, co-hosts Jordan Ruggieri and new addition Lisa Crawford set the tone for another season of engaging, educational, and entertaining molecular biology content. This season, the show expands it...

HIV, superbugs, and standards—oh my! In this episode of Absolute Gene-ius, we explore the frontier of infectious disease research with Dr. Jesús Mingorance, researcher at Hospital Universitario La Paz in Madrid. His research is translational and uses digital PCR, qPCR, sequencing, and more. Dr. Mingorance walks us through his application of ultra-sensitive PCR methods to track HIV-2 viral loads—pa...

Can you detect Alzheimer’s with a spit sample? That’s the question driving Arianna Arbona’s exciting research at Universidad Pablo de Olavide in Sevilla, Spain. In this episode of Absolute Gene-ius , she shares how she’s isolating microvesicles from saliva and blood to identify early biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s—an effort that could one day lead to minimally invasive...

This episode of Absolute Gene-ius slithers into the surprising science of invasive species monitoring with  Dr. Brian Bahder . A childhood love of bugs led Brian to a dynamic career in entomology and plant pathology—and eventually to tracking large reptiles in the swamps of Florida. We dive deep into Brian’s work developing multiplex  digital PCR assays to detect DNA from snakes, caimans, and othe...

Ever thought about why medications work differently for different people? In this episode of Absolute Gene-ius, we explore the exciting field of  pharmacogenomics with Wendy Wang, pharmacogenetic laboratory supervisor at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. Wendy shares how genetics can influence drug metabolism, offering a glimpse into how  precision medicine can revolutionize healthcare by...

Scientific discovery happens in the lab—but it starts with curiosity and determination. In this episode of Absolute Gene-ius, we welcome Valeria Rangel, a PhD candidate at the University of California Irvine, who shares her research on  acute lymphoblastic leukemia and the innovative ways  digital PCR is helping uncover genetic patterns linked to cancer in Hispanic populations. Val’s work focuses...

In this episode of Absolute Gene-ius, Dr. C. Dustin Rubinstein takes us inside the world of advanced genome editing, where cutting-edge tools like  CRISPR and  digital PCR are helping shape the future of biomedical research. As the Director of the  Advanced Genome Editing Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. Rubinstein shares how his lab develops genetically engineered  pig model...

Season 2 of  Absolute Gene-ius comes to a close with a look back at the topics and inspiring conversations that have defined the series. From exploring innovative uses of  digital PCR to uncovering its synergy with other molecular tools, this season was packed with insights for scientists at all levels. Dive into the details as co-hosts Jordan Ruggieri and Christina Bouwens revisit memorable episo...

The statistics of  Poisson distributions can seem complex at first but are simpler than you think, which is important to know given their relevance to  digital PCR . In short, they dictate the confidence you can have in the absolute quantification provided by dPCR.  Dr. Dave Bauer, Thermo Fisher Scientific’s very own dPCR Product Applications Specialist and statistics whiz, joins us once again for...

Same may think of the pathologist’s toolbox as only the microscope and their eyes, but in reality  today’s pathologists are using more and more  molecular methods like NGS and PCR in additional to their traditional tools.  Meet Parker Wilson, MD, PhD. Parker is a faculty member  Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, focused on using modern molecular tools to investigate ch...

Modern science, especially in the genetic and molecular biology spaces, generate  vast amounts of data , and require vast amounts of data to be generated for thorough analysis. For example, finding a rare gene mutation such as  BCR-ABL as a biomarker for  chronic myeloid leukemia is like searching for a needle in a haystack. For a situation like this, dPCR is an ideal method, but high-throughput a...

The potential of  mRNA medicines was postulated for years, but it took the COVID pandemic and emergency use authorizations for that potential to be demonstrated. By now, most of us have received at least one  mRNA based vaccine and the  platform has been mostly derisked. However, if you’re not one of the major players in this space, generating high-purity mRNA, let alone a GMP-grade mRNA-based  dr...

Viral vectors are a cornerstone of gene therapy and many employ experts in the viral vector services space to help design and produce their specialty vectors. These service providers are experts at making sure you get the vector you want with a titer and purity you need for your application.  We’re joined in this episode by Dr. Cliff Froelich, Head of Analytical Development for a viral vector serv...

When you have a good thing going you often want it to last forever, but we know that can never happen. Life and the world around us are fluid, dynamic, and we’re always finding the balance of fighting or harnessing entropy and inevitable change. As we encounter unexpected changes, we see them as chances to evaluate the foundations of our podcast's success while finding opportunities to evolve it a...