Podcast
Bluetooth Bacteria
Hosted by Pittsburgh iGEM · EN
The Bluetooth Bacteria Podcast presents the Pittsburgh iGEM team as they take on controversial topics in synthetic biology including bioweapons, animal organ donation, and genetic dating through the lens of five students from the University of Pittsburgh. They discuss current advances in bioengineering as well as interview different iGEM teams from around the world to learn about their project, experiences, and challenges as they navigate the world of synthetic biology.
9episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
SynBio Dating
Oct 26, 202000:18:10Tap to summarizeIn biology, when discussing “dating,” we usually are directing our conversation around the concept of finding the age of some organism. In this case, however, we are looking to approach the ever-changing romantic dating scene and how synthetic biology could be used to help singles find partners. Join the Pittsburgh iGEM team as they discuss how synthetic biology is influencing romance!
Transcribe →Get Connected with King's College London!
Oct 23, 202000:35:21Tap to summarizeSpinal cord injury is a serious condition with no cure. To create a more effective and less invasive treatment, the King’s College London iGEM team is developing “Renervate”, a 3D bio-printing a biodegradable and biocompatible scaffolding that contains a mussel foot protein-based bio adhesive coating. Join the Pittsburgh iGEM team as they learn more about their project!
Transcribe →Get Connected with BITS Pilani-Goa-India!
Oct 20, 202000:23:15Tap to summarizeIndia is the second-largest producer of sugarcane. However, sucrose deterioration after harvesting causes a significant loss of profit. To help save the sugarcane industry, the BITS Pilani-Goa India iGEM team is designing E. coli to prevent sucrose deterioration by targeting the invertase enzyme responsible for sucrose breakdown. Join the Pittsburgh iGEM team as they learn more about their project and some of the challenges they have faced so far!
Transcribe →Aging
Oct 16, 202000:20:07Tap to summarizeFrom cosmetics industries to the health field researches, we see the phrase “anti-aging” quite frequently. This, of course, makes sense given that as society improves, our lifespan becomes longer, and we spend more time dealing with aging struggles. Aging worsens and decreases our body’s regenerative and metabolic rates. As a result, a new focus in medical research rises and aims to understand ways to cure aging. Is this doable? Will it be safe? What are the ethical implications? Well, let’s talk about it
Transcribe →Get Connected with Toulouse!
Oct 13, 202000:24:57Tap to summarizeAs the distance and duration of space travel is extended, the storage of vitamins for astronauts becomes more difficult. To solve this problem, the Toulouse iGEM team is designing a co-culture system with yeast and clostridium to produce vitamin A in spaceship environments. In addition, they are using an optogenetic system to produce rose and lemon flavors. Join the Pittsburgh iGEM team as they learn more about their project and some of the challenges they have faced so far!
Transcribe →Get Connected with IISER-Pune-India!
Oct 9, 202000:17:14Tap to summarizeAntibiotic resistance in Malarial parasites is a significant problem that has been observed in tropical regions. To create a long-term solution, the IISER-Pune-India iGEM team is designing a Cyclotide Drug Library for treatment, along with a Diagnostic tool for easy detection. Join the Pittsburgh iGEM team as they learn more about the team’s project and some of the challenges they have faced so far!
Transcribe →Get Connected with Baltimore BioCrew!
Oct 6, 202000:14:10Tap to summarizePhytoplankton populations are declining, causing a disruption in underwater ecosystems. To help solve this problem, the Baltimore BioCrew iGEM Team is stepping up to engineer phytoplankton to increase their ability to process iron, a vital nutrient that is rare in many parts of the ocean. Join the Pittsburgh iGEM team as learn more about the team’s project and some of the challenges they have faced so far!
Transcribe →Organ Donation
Oct 2, 202000:18:07Tap to summarizeThere is a huge gap between organ need and organ availability for transplants due to long waitlists and organ shortages. In response, scientists have been researching how animal organ donation, or Xenotransplantation, can help close this gap. With new advances in synthetic biology, xenotransplantation is becoming a real alternative. But how does it work? Is it safe? Is it ethical? Join the Pittsburgh iGEM team as they discuss animal organ donation and the current ethical issues it faces.
Transcribe →Get Connected with William & Mary!
Sep 25, 202000:21:24Tap to summarizeToday, we are collaborating with Team William & Mary to learn more about their project on modeling a "smart" nasal probiotic that will sense the state of inflammation and secretes polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which have various anti-viral capabilities.
Transcribe →