The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology recently held its first public education event of the year, HudsonAlpha U Night, at The Jackson Center.

At the event, Kelly East, HudsonAlpha’s Vice President for Educational Outreach, shared six stories of recent genomics and biotech discoveries. The stories were selected from several scientific breakthroughs and applications listed in this year’s Annual Biotechnology Guidebook.

East explained that, throughout the year, the research institute’s staff reads a large number of technical papers and then compiles them into a publication.

“We pick out our favorite stories, and then we write about ’em in simple ways for folks to read and understand and get excited about what’s happening in science today and what’s going to be happening in science tomorrow,” East said.

East’s first anecdote was an interesting tale of how DNA can be used to glean insights from historical events via the victims of the Mount Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD. Ash from the disaster miraculously preserved the shapes of the victims, allowing for previous ideas excavators had about the victims to be challenged.

East said that in studying the ancient DNA, scientists have recently “… reshaped some of the things we thought we knew about these individuals that were victims.”

Those ideas included the gender of the victims and their relation to one another.

She continued, “It’s really exciting to think about what DNA is hiding out there—whether it’s in a woolly mammoth in the Arctic or it’s in Pompeii—that can help us better understand the past.”

During the program, East covered other fascinating recent scientific findings, such as a newly discovered plant gene, Booster, found in the blackwood cotton tree, which is part of the Poplar family. East presented some food for thought to the audience regarding the discovery of this gene.

“This helps us explain what’s going on with Poplar Trees. But then that naturally leads to the question of what’s next?” East said.

According to the HudsonAlpha guidebook, “The Booster gene could enhance photosynthesis and increase output across a variety of food crops, offering multiple benefits with a single genetic modification.”

For many in the room, the most interesting and personal scientific breakthrough East discussed was a new Alzheimer’s medication approved by the FDA last summer. The new medication, Kisunla, an IV infusion, uses antibodies to help clear harmful amyloid plaques from the brain, offering patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s a chance to maintain quality of life longer.

East said that while the medication doesn’t halt or reverse the progression of Alzheimer’s, it has been shown to slow the disease, giving the patient more time. She also pointed out the part HudsonAlpha plays in studying the disease.

“There is a lot of research being done in figuring out the causes and better diagnostics and treatments… including a lot of work here at Hudson Alpha that is focused around the genetics of Alzheimer’s,” East said.

The final scientific story East shared was about Tardigrades, tiny organisms known as “water bears.” These microscopic creatures are famous for their ability to survive in extremely harsh environments, such as sky-high radiation levels (more than 1,000 times what humans can survive), extraordinarily high heat, and space travel.

“The other really cool thing about water bears, in addition to their, just their cuteness, is the fact that they are well known for being able to survive just about anything,” East said.

Researchers have now identified key genes, like DODA1 and TRID1, that help tardigrades repair DNA damage and manage cellular stress.

“Perhaps this is part of that puzzle of why they’re uniquely able to withstand radiation,” East said.

East wrapped up the event with a reminder about HudsonAlpha’s newly refreshed Alumni Association, which now automatically includes anyone who has attended one of its educational programs.

“It is such a joy to get to see you guys face to face at these events,” East said. “And the Alumni Association is just a way for us to stay in touch in between when we’re able to be together in person.”

Science and research enthusiasts who want to hear more stories like these can attend the next HudsonAlpha U Night on Tuesday, September 9th, at the Jackson Center. The event, which is free, will cover the topic of Understanding Polygenic Risk Scores.