The totality of bacteria, viruses and fungi that exist in and on a multicellular organism forms its natural microbiome. The interactions between the body and these microorganisms significantly influence both, the functions and health of the host organism. Researchers assume that the microbiome plays an important role in the defense against pathogens, among other things.
What if a blood test could reveal the pace of our aging—and the diseases that may lie ahead? The labs of Profs. Liran Shlush and Amos Tanay at the Weizmann Institute of Science have been conducting in-depth studies into the biology of blood to better understand the aging process and why some people become more susceptible to disease over the years.
Their research teams, made up of physicians, biologists and data scientists, have been tracking changes in the blood-forming stem cells, including the emergence of genetic changes in these cells in about one-third of people over the age of 40. These changes not only increase the risk of blood cancers such as leukemia, but have also been linked to heart disease, diabetes and other age-related conditions.
In a new study published today in Nature Medicine, Shlush and Tanay present findings that may lead to an innovative blood test for detecting a person’s risk of developing leukemia. This test may potentially replace the invasive diagnostic procedure of bone marrow sampling.
Gene therapy—once something out of science fiction—is now being used in real hospitals to treat real people. Gene editing has become a conversation of not only treating rare diseases but also about access, fairness, and how much control we should have over our biology.
Genes are sections of DNA that act like instruction manuals telling our cells how to build proteins. Proteins perform vital function like energy use, cellular communications, immunity and cell repair. So when people say “We are what our genes make us,” it’s because these gene-coded proteins guide our growth, health, and behaviour.
Sometimes, typos appear in these instruction manuals. They are called genetic mutations. While many mutations are harmless, some affect the protein made from the mutated gene and disrupt how the cell functions. Some cause serious diseases like cystic fibrosis, muscular atrophy or certain cancers.
Join us for an exclusive 1-hour conversation with Dr. Eriona Hysolli, the visionary scientist bridging de-extinction technology and the future of human reproduction. Recognized by Time100 Next for her groundbreaking work reviving the woolly mammoth, Dr. Hysolli brings a unique perspective to reproductive biotechnology that you won’t find anywhere else.
In this informal Q&A session, we’ll explore how cutting-edge technologies originally developed for species conservation are now revolutionizing human fertility treatments. Dr. Hysolli will share insights on:
The latest breakthroughs in synthetic embryos and artificial wombs.
How in vitro gametogenesis could transform infertility treatment.
Lessons from mammoth de-extinction that apply to human reproductive health.
The intersection of genome engineering and fertility solutions.
Near-term commercial applications in reproductive biotechnology.
Drawing from her pioneering work at Yale, George Church’s lab at Harvard, and as Head of Biological Sciences at Colossal Biosciences, Dr. Hysolli offers a rare glimpse into technologies that could redefine human reproduction within the next decade.
The session will feature a moderated discussion followed by audience Q&A. Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, healthcare professional, or simply fascinated by the future of fertility, this conversation will provide essential insights into one of biotechnology’s most promising frontiers.
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