What if...? Genomics in Aotearoa (2024)

Synopsis

What if...? looks at the many and varied ways that genomics (the study of genomes/DNA) is being used in Aotearoa.

First Air Date: 2024-08-28

Last Air Date: 2024-08-28

Number of Seasons: 1

Number of Episodes: 6

Networks: Radio New Zealand

Top Cast

Peter Dearden as Self - Biochemist, Genomics Aotearoa
Joep de Ligt as Self - Genomic Scientist (formerly ESR)
Brent Barrett as Self - Senior Scientist, AgResearch
Andrew Allan as Self - Professor of Biological Sciences, Auckland University Principal Scientist at Plant & Food Research
Marty Faville as Self - Science Team Leader, Plant Genetics, AgResearch
Annabel Whibley as Self - Bioinformatician, Bragato Research Institute
Andrew Digby as Self - Ecologist, Department of Conservation
Cristin Print as Self - Molecular Medicine and Pathology
Parry Guilford as Self - Cancer Genetics
Jemma Geoghegan as Self - Evolutionary Virologist

Seasons

None (2024)

No overview available for this season.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: What if... genomics could safeguard our food supply? (2024-08-28)

The rapid warming and periods of droughts as a result of climate change will impact our ability to grow food. Researchers are investigating ways that genomics can help safeguard our food security in the future.
Ep. 2: What if... genomics could help save an endangered species? (2024-08-28)

In 2018, the kākāpō became the first species in the world to have its entire population’s genomes sequenced. How is the information being used today to help conservation?
Ep. 3: What if... we can use genetic testing to beat cancer? (2024-08-28)

Around 25,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year in Aotearoa. Learn how genomics can help us detect cancer sooner and treat it more precisely.
Ep. 4: What if... we sequenced every infectious disease in NZ? (2024-08-28)

During the Covid-19 pandemic, New Zealand researchers led the way in how to sequence the virus and in figuring out transmission puzzles.
Ep. 5: What if... we sequenced every waterway in New Zealand? (2024-08-28)

Living things leave tiny traces of DNA as they move around their environment. Now scientists can determine the quality of a waterway by using e-DNA to see who lives there.
Ep. 6: What if... genomics could protect New Zealand from invasive species? (2024-08-28)

New Zealand is constantly battling pests and predators that have become well-established, while trying to safeguard our country from a wide range of new threats. Could genomics provide us with new tools to keep our native flora and fauna safe from invaders?