Episode 7: Australian Flora: Uniqueness and Global Impact by Digby Growns

Episode 8 (AUDIO ONLY): Ovarian Cancer, Science Engagement and Women's Health by Dr Amy Wilson

Summary In this episode, Dr. Amy Wilson shares her journey as an ovarian cancer researcher, discussing her motivations and challenges, the complexities of ovarian cancer, and the challenges faced in the field. She highlights the importance of immunotherapy, the role of leader cells in chemoresistance, and the potential of drug repurposing. Dr. Wilson also emphasizes the need for better communication between scientists and the community, the significance of research foundations in funding, the importance of patient involvement in science, and the challenges that women face in heathcare system. The conversation concludes with a call to action for participation in Frocktober, a campaign to raise awareness for ovarian cancer. Keywords: Ovarian cancer, immunotherapy, drug repurposing, cancer research, women's health, ovarian cancer foundation, leader cells, science communication, hereditary cancer, research funding. Takeaways: Curiosity drives scientific inquiry from a young age. Personal experiences can shape one's career path in science. Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage, complicating treatment. Immunotherapy has not been as successful in ovarian cancer as in other cancers. Leader cells contribute to chemotherapy resistance and disease recurrence. Drug repurposing can be a cost-effective strategy in cancer treatment. Effective science communication is crucial for public understanding. Research foundations play a vital role in funding innovative cancer research. Collaboration between scientists and the community enhances research impact. Diversity in science is essential for addressing health inequities. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Ovarian Cancer Research 01:39 Curiosity drives Science 03:21 Link between Music and Science 06:30 Transitioning to Ovarian Cancer Research 09:07 Understanding Ovarian Cancer 12:16 Types and Prognosis of Ovarian Cancer 14:53 Inherited Ovarian and Breast Cancer 16:55 Postdoctoral Research on Leader Cells 20:12 Mechanisms of Metastasis and Treatment Resistance 23:40 Immunotherapy Challenges in Ovarian Cancer 27:43 Drug Repurposing in Cancer Treatment 30:56 Lessons from Failures in Research 32:50 Impact of Research on Community and Transition to Advocacy 34:58 Navigating Research Challenges 35:56 The Critical Role of Research Foundations 39:13 Bridging the Gap Between Research and Patients 41:15 Communicating Science Effectively 43:16 Communicating Science through Social Media and Frocktober 45:28 Advocacy and the Importance of Community 49:31 Key Factors for Success in Her Scientific Career 50:51 Challenges Faced by Women in Science 51:36 Passion for Women's Health Advocacy 55:00 Advice for Junior Scientists 56:23 Frocktober: Raising Awareness for Ovarian Cancer Music: “Wescience Podcast Intro” Artist: Wescience Podcast Composer: Carlos Aya Bonilla © 2025 Carlos Aya — All rights reserved.Available in Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Instagram and Tik Tok with @WeSciencePodcast handle. Website: www.drcarlosayabonilla.com [http://www.drcarlosayabonilla.com]

Episode 8: Ovarian Cancer, Science Engagement and Women's Health by Dr Amy Wilson

Summary In this episode, Dr. Amy Wilson shares her journey as an ovarian cancer researcher, discussing her motivations and challenges, the complexities of ovarian cancer, and the challenges faced in the field. She highlights the importance of immunotherapy, the role of leader cells in chemoresistance, and the potential of drug repurposing. Dr. Wilson also emphasizes the need for better communication between scientists and the community, the significance of research foundations in funding, the importance of patient involvement in science, and the challenges that women face in heathcare system. The conversation concludes with a call to action for participation in Frocktober, a campaign to raise awareness for ovarian cancer. Keywords: Ovarian cancer, immunotherapy, drug repurposing, cancer research, women's health, ovarian cancer foundation, leader cells, science communication, hereditary cancer, research funding. Takeaways: Curiosity drives scientific inquiry from a young age. Personal experiences can shape one's career path in science. Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage, complicating treatment. Immunotherapy has not been as successful in ovarian cancer as in other cancers. Leader cells contribute to chemotherapy resistance and disease recurrence. Drug repurposing can be a cost-effective strategy in cancer treatment. Effective science communication is crucial for public understanding. Research foundations play a vital role in funding innovative cancer research. Collaboration between scientists and the community enhances research impact. Diversity in science is essential for addressing health inequities. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Ovarian Cancer Research 01:39 Curiosity drives Science 03:21 Link between Music and Science 06:30 Transitioning to Ovarian Cancer Research 09:07 Understanding Ovarian Cancer 12:16 Types and Prognosis of Ovarian Cancer 14:53 Inherited Ovarian and Breast Cancer 16:55 Postdoctoral Research on Leader Cells 20:12 Mechanisms of Metastasis and Treatment Resistance 23:40 Immunotherapy Challenges in Ovarian Cancer 27:43 Drug Repurposing in Cancer Treatment 30:56 Lessons from Failures in Research 32:50 Impact of Research on Community and Transition to Advocacy 34:58 Navigating Research Challenges 35:56 The Critical Role of Research Foundations 39:13 Bridging the Gap Between Research and Patients 41:15 Communicating Science Effectively 43:16 Communicating Science through Social Media and Frocktober 45:28 Advocacy and the Importance of Community 49:31 Key Factors for Success in Her Scientific Career 50:51 Challenges Faced by Women in Science 51:36 Passion for Women's Health Advocacy 55:00 Advice for Junior Scientists 56:23 Frocktober: Raising Awareness for Ovarian Cancer Music: “Wescience Podcast Intro” Artist: Wescience Podcast Composer: Carlos Aya Bonilla © 2025 Carlos Aya — All rights reserved.Available in Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Instagram and Tik Tok with @WeSciencePodcast handle. Website: www.drcarlosayabonilla.com [http://www.drcarlosayabonilla.com]

Episode 7 (AUDIO ONLY): Australian Flora: Uniqueness and Global Impact by Digby Growns

Summary: In this conversation, Mr Digby Growns, a plant scientist leading the plant breeding at Kings' park discusses the significance of Kings Park, his journey into plant science, the unique flora of Australia and Western Australia, and the benefits and challenges of plant breeding. He explores the challenges and opportunities in conservation, the role of botanical gardens and the impact of indigenous knowledge on plant use. The discussion also touches on ethical considerations in plant breeding and the future of Australian flora in a changing environment. Keywords: #kingspark , #plantbreeding , #Australianflora, #conservation , #ethnobotany , #biodiversity , #horticulture , #indigenous knowledge, #environmentalimpact , #botanicalgarden #westernaustralia #plant Takeaways: * Kings Park is a unique blend of natural bushland and parkland. * Eucalyptus species have adapted globally, impacting local ecosystems. * Australia's flora is largely endemic, with 90% of species found nowhere else. * Plant breeding has evolved over thousands of years, focusing on both aesthetics and environmental benefits. * The blue kangaroo paw represents a significant breakthrough in plant breeding. * Botanical gardens play a crucial role in conservation and education. * Indigenous knowledge contributes to understanding plant uses and benefits. * Plant breeding faces challenges such as pollination complexities and seed germination. * The future of Australian flora may include global applications due to climate change. * Passion and following opportunities are key to success in plant science. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Kings Park and Botanic Gardens 04:01 Journey into Plant Science 06:42 Eucaliptus: An Australian plant and its impact worldwide 10:18 The Uniqueness of Australian Flora 13:09 Understanding Plant Breeding 18:11 Challenges and Opportunities in Plant Breeding 22:40 Success Stories in Plant Development 27:55 The Global Impact of Australian Flora 29:24 Plant Breeding vs Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) 31:17 Transfer of Indigenous Knowledge and Plant Use 33:07 Personal Joys and Challenges 34:58 The Role of Botanical Gardens in Conservation 35:41 Legacy and Future of Plant Breeding Available in Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Instagram and Tik Tok with @WeSciencePodcast handle. Website: www.drcarlosayabonilla.com [http://www.drcarlosayabonilla.com] Music: “Wescience Podcast Intro” Artist: Wescience Podcast Composer: Carlos Aya Bonilla © 2025 Carlos Aya — All rights reserved.

Episode 7: Australian Flora: Uniqueness and Global Impact by Digby Growns

Summary: In this conversation, Mr Digby Growns, a plant scientist leading the plant breeding at Kings' park discusses the significance of Kings Park, his journey into plant science, the unique flora of Australia and Western Australia, and the benefits and challenges of plant breeding. He explores the challenges and opportunities in conservation, the role of botanical gardens and the impact of indigenous knowledge on plant use. The discussion also touches on ethical considerations in plant breeding and the future of Australian flora in a changing environment. Keywords: #kingspark , #plantbreeding , #Australianflora, #conservation , #ethnobotany , #biodiversity , #horticulture , #indigenous knowledge, #environmentalimpact , #botanicalgarden #westernaustralia #plant Takeaways: * Kings Park is a unique blend of natural bushland and parkland. * Eucalyptus species have adapted globally, impacting local ecosystems. * Australia's flora is largely endemic, with 90% of species found nowhere else. * Plant breeding has evolved over thousands of years, focusing on both aesthetics and environmental benefits. * The blue kangaroo paw represents a significant breakthrough in plant breeding. * Botanical gardens play a crucial role in conservation and education. * Indigenous knowledge contributes to understanding plant uses and benefits. * Plant breeding faces challenges such as pollination complexities and seed germination. * The future of Australian flora may include global applications due to climate change. * Passion and following opportunities are key to success in plant science. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Kings Park and Botanic Gardens 04:01 Journey into Plant Science 06:42 Eucaliptus: An Australian plant and its impact worldwide 10:18 The Uniqueness of Australian Flora 13:09 Understanding Plant Breeding 18:11 Challenges and Opportunities in Plant Breeding 22:40 Success Stories in Plant Development 27:55 The Global Impact of Australian Flora 29:24 Plant Breeding vs Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) 31:17 Transfer of Indigenous Knowledge and Plant Use 33:07 Personal Joys and Challenges 34:58 The Role of Botanical Gardens in Conservation 35:41 Legacy and Future of Plant Breeding Available in Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Instagram and Tik Tok with @WeSciencePodcast handle. Website: www.drcarlosayabonilla.com [http://www.drcarlosayabonilla.com] Music: “Wescience Podcast Intro” Artist: Wescience Podcast Composer: Carlos Aya Bonilla © 2025 Carlos Aya — All rights reserved.

Episode 6 (AUDIO ONLY): From Human Research to Marine Biology: Dr Emma de Jong's Journey

Summary In this episode of WeScience, Dr. Carlos Aya-Bonilla interviews Dr. Emma De Jong, a bioinformatician at the Minderoo OceanOmics Centre. They discuss Emma's journey from human medical research to marine biology, her motivations for becoming a scientist, and the importance of bioinformatics in understanding complex biological systems. Emma shares insights on her research in sepsis, transcriptomics across chronic diseases (asthma and cancer), and profiling of environmental DNA as critical tool for conservation of our marine life, highlighting the significance of collaboration and data quality in scientific research. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced in genomic studies and the need for open access to research resources in marine life research. Keywords ⁠#bioinformatics⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/bioinformatics], ⁠#marinelife⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/marinelife] ⁠#marinebiology⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/marinebiology] ⁠#environmentaldata⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/environmentaldata] ⁠#environmentalDNA⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/environmentaldna] ⁠#immunology⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/immunology] ⁠#asthma⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/asthma] ⁠#fish⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/fish] ⁠#cancer⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/cancer] ⁠#cancerresearch⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/cancerresearch] ⁠#transcriptomics⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/transcriptomics] ⁠#genomics⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/genomics] ⁠#sepsis⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/sepsis] ⁠#systemsbiology⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/systemsbiology] ⁠#referencegenomes⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/referencegenomes] ⁠#catalog⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/catalog] ⁠#immunity⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/immunity] ⁠#genome⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/genome] Takeaways Emma's motivation to become a scientist stemmed from her siblings' experiences with cancer. Negative data is crucial for guiding future research directions. Understanding sepsis in pre-term infants is vital due to their high susceptibility to infections. Bioinformatics bridges the gap between wet lab and computational biology. Transcriptomics provides a dynamic view of biological responses. Data quality control is essential in research to avoid costly mistakes. Transitioning to marine biology has allowed Emma to explore new scientific avenues. Environmental DNA technologies can revolutionize biodiversity monitoring. Reference genomes are critical for advancing marine research. Collaboration across disciplines enhances scientific outcomes.