In this episode, we are joined by co-director of CIPHER and bioinformatics expert: Dr. Dan Janies. He discusses his background and work in using computational methods and genomic data to study infectious diseases. He explains how he traced the origins of the SARS coronavirus to bats and used bioinformatics to track the spread of diseases like SARS, bird flu, and COVID-19 variants. Dr. Janies describes innovating techniques like projecting phylogenetic trees onto Google Earth to visualize disease movement and calculating protein structures to predict immune evasion. He shares his vision for "functional molecular epidemiology" to not just detect mutations but understand their impacts, and emphasizes the need for constant genomic surveillance to stop outbreaks before they become pandemics. This work is truly interdisciplinary and cutting edge.

Find out more at cipher.charlotte.edu.

• Bioinformatics is a field that combines computer science and biology to analyze and compare genomes.
• Comparing genomes of viruses and bacteria helps understand their evolution and the impact of mutations.
• Tracing the origins of infectious diseases can provide insights into their transmission and help prevent future outbreaks. Supramap is a tool developed by Dan Janies that projects virus trees onto Google Earth, allowing researchers to study the movement and evolution of viruses.
• Functional molecular epidemiology focuses on understanding the impact of mutations in viruses and their implications for public health.
• Artificial intelligence, particularly the AlphaFold program, has revolutionized structural biology and the ability to accurately and quickly calculate protein structures.
• There is a need for a proactive approach to monitoring and preventing pandemics, using genomics and computational tools to detect and respond to emerging infectious diseases.
• Collaboration and capacity building are essential in the field of bioinformatics and infectious disease research, as researchers work together to develop best practices and share knowledge.

This podcast was produced and edited by Zack Jackson CIPHER is a proud part of UNC Charlotte who holds all rights to the content created by this podcast

In this conversation, Co-Directors Dr. Dan Janies and Dr. Adam Reitzel introduce us to CIPHER and the incredible interdisciplinary team that makes it work. You'll learn about how computer scientists, biologists, social scientists, mathematicians, and public health officials work together to unlock the secrets of infectious diseases, to engineer solutions, and to predict future outbreaks. You won't want to miss this fascinating conversation.

Find out more at cipher.charlotte.edu.

• CIPHER is a computational and empirical center focused on studying zoonotic diseases and their impact on public health.
• The center brings together experts in genomics, microscopy, and various fields of biology to understand the interactions between pathogens, animals, and the environment.
• CIPHER's work goes beyond pandemic response and includes research on vector-borne diseases and pathogens affecting non-human animals and agricultural plants.
• The use of artificial intelligence, such as the AlphaFold program, has revolutionized structural biology and enhanced the prediction of protein structures.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration is essential in addressing complex challenges in fields like infectious diseases and environmental risks.
• Effective communication and engagement with the public are crucial for building trust in science and medicine.
• The CIPHER team consists of scientists, postdocs, graduate students, and technical staff, working together to advance research and civic engagement.
• CIPHER aims to monitor and respond to infectious diseases and environmental risks through functional molecular epidemiology.
• Lessons learned from the pandemic highlight the need for continuous monitoring and proactive response to emerging pathogens.

This podcast was produced and edited by Zack Jackson CIPHER is a proud part of UNC Charlotte who holds all rights to the content created by this podcast