Episode Details

A New Path to Earlier Alzheimer’s Detection | Dr. Jonathan Hill

Season 1 Episode 13 Published 2 years, 3 months ago

Description

What if scientists could read DNA differently, uncover biological signals earlier, and eventually diagnose disease before symptoms become obvious?

Dr. Jonathon Hill joins BioTalk Unzipped to explore nanopore sequencing, genetics, epigenetics, artificial intelligence, addiction research, fertility, and the search for earlier biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease.

Jonathon explains how nanopore sequencing works and why the ability to analyze native DNA and RNA can provide researchers with information extending beyond the underlying genetic sequence.

His scientific interests also connect with a deeply personal passion for biodiversity. Jonathon describes his time in Brazil and his dream of establishing a nanopore sequencing laboratory in the Amazon to study its extraordinary biological diversity.

The conversation then turns toward AI and genetics, including research into the genetic underpinnings of tobacco addiction. Jonathon discusses both the potential of AI to accelerate biological discovery and the risks of treating opaque models as scientific explanations.

Later, he explains work involving cell-free DNA and fertility before discussing one of the most consequential areas of his research: DNA methylation signatures that may eventually contribute to earlier detection of Alzheimer’s disease.

It is a fascinating look at what becomes possible when genomics, computation, and molecular biology begin converging.