Podcast Summary
Understanding complex systems in biology using mathematics and computational tools: Systems biology is an interdisciplinary field that combines mathematics, computational tools, and biology to understand complex systems in organisms and cells.
Systems biology is an interdisciplinary approach to understanding complex systems at various levels, from organisms to cells, by analyzing and modeling their intricate relationships using mathematics and computational tools. It's a relatively new field that has gained significant attention in the last two decades, and it encompasses various aspects of science, including genomics, CRISPR, and accessibility research. Emily Ackerman, our guest in this episode, is a brilliant and inspiring systems biologist who started her journey in chemical engineering but soon found herself drawn to the biological side of things. Growing up with disabilities and medical conditions, she has always been fascinated by the human body and its intricacies. She chose chemical engineering due to her interest in chemistry but opted against lab work, instead focusing on more mathematical aspects. Systems biology, as a field, offers a unique perspective on understanding complex biological systems, and it has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of various diseases and their treatments. With her background in chemical engineering and her passion for biology, Emily Ackerman is a perfect example of the interdisciplinary nature of systems biology and its potential to lead to groundbreaking discoveries.
Understanding Biological Systems with Math and Systems Thinking: Math and systems thinking help us understand the intricate patterns and relationships within biological systems, leading to potential drug targets and a holistic perspective of the body as a complex system.
Math and systems thinking play a crucial role in understanding the complex workings of the natural world, particularly in the field of biology and the human immune system. Systems biology, a relatively young discipline, uses large amounts of data and mathematical modeling to gain a holistic understanding of biological systems. Dr. Ackerman, an expert in systems biology, applies these concepts to study viral respiratory infections, including COVID-19, and identifies important proteins that could serve as potential drug targets. The human body, like a delicate balance, relies on intricate patterns and systems to function properly. When these systems are disrupted, as seen in illness, the body responds with symptoms like fevers and coughing to compensate. This perspective of viewing the body as a complex system of relationships and interactions highlights the importance of math and systems thinking in biology.
Exploring Viral Infections through Network Analysis and Mathematical Models: Researcher uses network analysis and mathematical models to understand viral infections, initially focused on flu but pivoted to COVID-19, finds excitement in contributing to addressing global crisis, spends extensive time coding and debugging, remains passionate about the potential to improve understanding of viral infections.
The researcher discussed in the interview has a multifaceted approach to understanding the immune response, using both large-scale network analysis and specific, mathematic equation-based methods. Initially focused on the flu, the researcher pivoted to studying COVID-19 when it emerged, applying the same network analysis techniques. The transition was overwhelming but exciting, offering the opportunity to contribute to addressing the global crisis. The researcher's work environment involves extensive coding, which can appear daunting to outsiders. The researcher learned to code from an experienced mentor and spends much of their time debugging errors and optimizing code. Despite the challenges, the researcher remains passionate about their work and the potential to improve our understanding of viral infections.
The reward of computational work in systems biology: Success in computational fields doesn't require a perfect personal life or constant work. Prioritize self-care and accommodations for all individuals in STEM.
While working in computational fields like systems biology can involve dealing with data errors and uncertainty, the reward comes from the moments when the code works and provides valuable insights. These moments can be incredibly satisfying and validating. Additionally, being organized and analytical in one's personal life is not a requirement for success in computational fields. It's important to remember that everyone's approach to work and life can be different. Another important takeaway is the need to prioritize self-care and accommodations for individuals with disabilities in STEM fields. The pressure to devote one's entire self to STEM work can be unhealthy and false. Instead, it's crucial to prioritize the health and well-being of one's body and mind to be able to fully contribute to the field. For those who may face physical limitations, such as working in a lab, there are alternative paths, like computational work, that can provide valuable contributions and success in STEM.
Exploring Computational Science: A New Opportunity for Individuals with Disabilities: Computational science offers accessibility in terms of timing and physical demands, making it a valuable option for individuals with disabilities. Inclusive lab spaces and policies can help make STEM more equitable for all.
Exploring computational science can open up new opportunities in STEM for individuals, particularly those with disabilities. This was the experience of Dr. Ackerman, who discovered computational chemistry despite feeling excluded from traditional research opportunities. She encourages everyone to consider this field due to its accessibility in terms of timing and physical demands. Additionally, making lab spaces and classroom policies more inclusive can help make STEM a more equitable place for all students and researchers. It's important to remember that disabled is not a bad word and that everyone will experience disability at some point in their lives. Therefore, it's crucial to create an inclusive environment where individuals feel empowered to embrace their identity as a disabled person rather than being defined by their disability.
Creating Inclusive Environments and Understanding Unique Needs: Learn more, listen more, and provide accommodations to create inclusive environments for individuals with disabilities. Recognize assumptions about abilities can be inaccurate and organizations like HEARD promote disability justice.
It's important to be proactive in creating inclusive environments and understanding the unique needs of individuals, especially those with disabilities. This can be achieved by learning more, listening more, and providing accommodations before being asked. Chaos and noise are common in mathematical models due to individual variation and feedback systems, leading to unpredictable results. A favorite mechanism in organic chemistry is not a priority for Dr. Alok Patel, but it's essential to recognize that assumptions about people's abilities based on their professions can be inaccurate. Additionally, organizations like HEARD are working to address the disproportionate impact of the carceral system on BIPOC disabled people and promote disability justice.
Using viruses as therapeutic agents in oncovirality: Viruses can be modified to trigger an immune response against tumors, bringing in immune cells to fight the virus instead of the virus itself, offering a promising approach in oncovirology.
Viruses can be used as therapeutic agents to treat diseases, specifically tumors, through a process called oncovirality. This involves introducing modified viruses into cells, which triggers an immune response and brings in immune cells to fight the virus, but instead of fighting the virus, the immune system fights the tumor. This approach holds promise in the field of oncovirology or tumor virology. Another intriguing topic discussed was the possibility of estimating the likelihood of animal influenza strains crossing the species barrier into humans and the potential outcomes of a flu pandemic. However, due to the random nature of such events, no one is currently crunching these numbers. The importance of getting vaccinated and protecting each other, especially those at high risk, was emphasized throughout the discussion. Additionally, advancements in systems biology and synthetic biology are leading to new possibilities that were not even imaginable a decade ago.
Understanding complex biological processes with systems biology: Systems biology uses advanced imaging, humanized animal models, and computational analysis to identify early signs of diseases and develop more effective treatments, reducing reliance on animals and potentially utilizing quantum computing.
Systems biology, through advanced imaging, humanized animal models, and computational analysis, is helping researchers better understand complex biological processes and predict future health outcomes. This includes identifying early signs of late-stage infections and developing more effective treatments. The use of animal models is a complex issue, and while it may be necessary for certain applications, there is a growing interest in using bioengineered human models and advanced algorithms to reduce the reliance on animals. Quantum computing may also play a role in this shift towards more data-driven and animal-free research. However, ethical considerations and the challenge of obtaining sufficient data remain significant hurdles. Additionally, the pervasive influence of eugenics in disease research is a concern that should be addressed.
CRISPR and Ableism: Including the Disability Community in the Conversation: Scientists and researchers should consult with the disability community to ensure a balanced and inclusive conversation about gene editing technology like CRISPR, as ableism and a history of eugenics can perpetuate harm.
The use of gene editing technology like CRISPR, while revolutionary in scientific research, can perpetuate harmful ableism when not approached with sensitivity and inclusion of the disabled community. The assumption that people with diseases or disabilities would be "better off" without them is a harmful mentality that can lead to eugenics-like practices. The disability community, which is largely online and organized virtually, urges people to listen to their voices and perspectives on this issue. Scientists and researchers, especially those with the power to fund and spread scientific information, should be aware of the ableism deeply ingrained in science and consult with the affected community to ensure a balanced and inclusive conversation. Quotes from Dr. Ackerman emphasize the potential of CRISPR for good, but also the danger it poses when combined with ableism and a history of eugenics.
Understanding the complexities of gene editing and disability: Including disabled voices in gene editing dialogue is crucial, as it's not just about fixing diseases, but respecting identity and unique perspectives.
The conversation around gene editing on humans is complex and deeply rooted in ableism. While some may view it as a solution to genetic diseases, others in the disabled community see it as a threat to their identity and way of life. Doctor Ackerman emphasizes the importance of including disabled voices in the dialogue and appreciating the unique perspectives they bring. She cherishes her disability and the richness it adds to her life, from the most mundane daily tasks to broader considerations of accessibility and political climate. In systems biology, she finds fascination in the interconnectedness of small changes at a microscopic level leading to significant differences at a larger scale. This perspective, while daunting when applied to the vastness of space, inspires her to appreciate the intricacies of life and the importance of diverse voices in shaping its future.
Exploring complex systems in biology through various lenses: Embrace curiosity, ask simple questions, and explore the world and its shapers from different perspectives, as encouraged by systems biologist Emily Ackerman, aka 'Slackerman'.
Systems biology is an interdisciplinary field that allows scientists to explore complex biological systems from various perspectives, zooming in and out from the universe's outer edges to molecules. Emily Ackerman, a systems biologist, shared her journey and the transformative impact of embracing her unconventional online persona. She encouraged everyone to ask simple questions to understand the world and the people shaping it. Follow Emily Ackerman, aka "Slackerman," on Twitter and her website for more insights. The Ologies podcast also features an episode with Emily discussing disabled engineers. Additionally, consider making a donation to H.E.R.D. and checking out the Small OGs episodes for family-friendly content. A simple yet refreshing life hack shared at the end of the episode is making lime water, which is more refreshing than lemon water.
