Tiny Expeditions - A Podcast about Genetics, DNA and Inheritance artwork

Tiny Expeditions - A Podcast about Genetics, DNA and Inheritance

48 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 days ago -

Tiny Expeditions is all about taking little journeys into the tiny science of genetics, DNA and inheritance. This podcast doesn't shy away from science, but it's produced with you in mind. Everyone should be able to listen and walk away feeling smarter about the genetic code that defines the world around us.

Life Sciences Science Nature genetics dna inheritance genomics
Homepage Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

From X-Men to Real Men: The Science Behind Superhuman Traits

July 11, 2024 14:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MB

Join us for this tiny expedition into the world of pop culture superpowers. In this episode, we delve into the realm of superhero abilities, discussing their potential scientific basis and plausibility.  To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “From X-Men to Real Men: The Science Behind Superhuman Traits.” Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscribe to our mailing list here.

Cinematic Mutations: Turtle Power!

June 13, 2024 20:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MB

Join us for this tiny expedition into the world of cinematic mutations. This episode explores the possibilities and limitations of how DNA mutations occur and asks whether green sludge can actually turn you into a ninja, a turtle, or both.  To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “Cinematic Mutations: Turtle Power!” Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscribe to our mailing list here.

Real vs. Reel: The portrayal of science in pop culture

May 23, 2024 12:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MB

Join us for this tiny expedition into the world of genetics in pop culture. This episode broadly examines how science is represented in movies, TV shows, and more, setting the stage for the rest of the season.  To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “Real versus Reel: The portrayal of science in pop culture.”  Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscribe to our mailing list here.

Tiny Expeditions Season 5 Promo

March 29, 2024 14:00 - 1 minute - 863 KB

Genetics and biotechnology are everywhere in pop culture these days. But have you ever wondered if the science behind those movies and TV shows is realistic? We’ll be joined by expert guests who will help us separate science facts from Hollywood elaboration. We’ll explore the ethics of gene editing, see if CSI's forensics hold up under a microscope, explore the realities and limitations of genetic mutations, and more. Coming in April 2024.  Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @Exp...

Peanuts for the future: how students are collaborating to improve the legume we love

July 28, 2023 21:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MB

Join us for this tiny expedition as we learn about a unique peanut breeding program that gives back to a local community in big ways. You’ll hear from several individuals involved in the program, including teachers and researchers.  To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “Peanuts for the future: how students are collaborating to improve the legume we love.”  Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates and bonus materi...

Navigating Cancer: Precise science, precise care

July 14, 2023 15:00 - 21 minutes - 14.8 MB

Join us for this tiny expedition as we explore the world of precision healthcare. You’ll hear how scientists work to understand the genetic basis of cancer and how one company is helping make genetic testing and information more accessible for all.   To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “Navigating cancer: precise science, precise care.”  Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscribe to o...

Tiny Expeditions Promo

July 12, 2023 20:00 - 40 seconds - 501 KB

Genetics doesn’t have to be complicated. Tiny Expeditions is a science podcast that explores how DNA plays a role in our everyday lives, from the food we eat to the medicine we take. Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscribe to our mailing list here.

Growing a Shrubbier Version of Rubber

June 22, 2023 15:00 - 21 minutes - 15.1 MB

Crossover episode! Join us and our friends and Genome Insider for this tiny expedition into the world of rubber. You’ll hear from scientists and innovators working to create better, more sustainable sources of natural rubber.   To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “Growing a Shrubbier Version of Rubber.” Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscribe to our mailing list here.

The Future of Pandemic Preparedness: Insights from Biotech Experts

May 08, 2023 16:00 - 25 minutes - 17.2 MB

Join us for this tiny expedition as we learn how science is preparing us for future novel pandemics. You’ll hear from scientists and innovators working to ensure we can more rapidly detect, diagnose, and treat pathogenic outbreaks.   To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “The future of pandemic preparedness: Insights from biotech experts.”  Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscribe to ...

Moss to the rescue: Peat bogs and our fight against climate change

April 21, 2023 19:00 - 18 minutes - 12.6 MB

Join us for this tiny expedition as we journey to northern peat bogs and learn their importance in our fight against climate change.  To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “Moss to the rescue: peat bogs and the fight against climate change” Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscribe to our mailing list here.

Forensic DNA technology: Justice at what cost?

April 17, 2023 15:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MB

Join us for this tiny expedition as we dive into some ethical considerations surrounding using DNA technology and genetic genealogy in forensic science.  To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “Forensic DNA technology: Justice at what cost?” Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscribe to our mailing list here.

The science of crime: forensics and DNA technology

March 23, 2023 01:00 - 32 minutes - 22 MB

Join us for this tiny expedition into forensic science and learn how forensics experts and law enforcement use various DNA technologies to help solve crimes.  To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “The science of crime: forensics and DNA technology.” Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscribe to our mailing list here.

Tiny Expeditions Season 4 Promo

March 09, 2023 22:00 - 1 minute - 1.01 MB

In Season 4, we will explore how DNA and genomic technology are helping us tackle big challenges threatening our planet. We’ll talk about how genetics is being used to solve more crimes, how preserving peat bogs is crucial to our quest to quell climate change, how scientists are working to prepare for future novel pandemics, and much more.   Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscribe to our mailing list here.

Arriving early to the fight against cancer

October 03, 2022 14:00 - 9 minutes - 6.74 MB

Join us for this bonus tiny expedition into cancer prevention and diagnostics research and hear about a program that is trying to bring genetic testing for cancer risk to everyone. To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit "Arriving early to the fight against cancer."  Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscribe to our mailing list here.

Solving a diagnostic puzzle: the challenges of rare diseases

September 13, 2022 14:00 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MB

Join us for this tiny expedition into rare disease research and advocacy. You’ll hear from a family who turned their experiences caring for their son with a rare disease and turned them into an advocacy organization to help other parents. You will also learn how scientists are trying to end the long and emotional diagnostic odysseys that many patients and their families endure.  To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “Solving a diagnostic puzzle: the challenges of ...

When cells kill: understanding cancer

August 22, 2022 15:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MB

Join us for this tiny expedition into cancer research and hear how scientists use cutting-edge technology to help diagnose, treat, and hopefully even prevent cancer. To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “When cells kill: understanding cancer.” Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscribe to our mailing list here.

Accessing genetic testing: who's in and who's out?

August 08, 2022 15:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MB

Join us for this tiny expedition as we explore more bioethical concerns surrounding genetic testing. In this episode, we dive into inequities in access to genetic testing based on racial and socioeconomic status. To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode and our featured guests, visit "Accessing genetic testing: who's in and who's out?"  Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscribe to our mailing l...

Accessing genetic testing: who's in and who's out?

August 08, 2022 15:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MB

Join us for this tiny expedition as we explore more bioethical concerns surrounding genetic testing. In this episode, we dive into inequities in access to genetic testing based on racial and socioeconomic status. To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode and our featured guests, visit "Accessing genetic testing: who's in and who's out?"  Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscribe to our mailing l...

When our brains fail us: an exploration of neurodegenerative diseases

July 26, 2022 14:00 - 23 minutes - 16.3 MB

Join us for this tiny expedition into the brain and learn how scientists unravel the genetics behind many neurodegenerative diseases to help develop better diagnostic and treatment options.  To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “When our brains fail us: an exploration of neurodegenerative diseases.” Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscribe to our mailing list here.

Keep your data to yourself: A conversation on bioethics and genetic testing

July 14, 2022 00:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MB

Join us for this tiny expedition into the bioethics surrounding genetic testing. We will answer questions like, 'Will my testing results be used against me for insurance coverage purposes?', 'Can my genetic testing results be used to convict a family member of a crime?', and 'What are experts doing to ensure genetic testing is useful and equitable for all?' To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “Keep your data to yourself: a conversation on bioethics and genetic t...

Bonus: What can you learn from genetic tests?

July 06, 2022 17:00 - 6 minutes - 4.16 MB

We're sorry that we couldn't bring you a new episode last week, but sometimes life happens. Please enjoy this bonus episode starring Dr. Neil Lamb, the new president of HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. In this episode, Dr. Lamb explains the many flavors of genetic tests that are out there and what you can reliably learn from each of them.  Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscribe to our mailing list here.

Bonus: What can you learn from genetic tests?

July 06, 2022 17:00 - 6 minutes - 4.16 MB

We're sorry that we couldn't bring you a new episode last week, but sometimes life happens. Please enjoy this bonus episode starring Dr. Neil Lamb, the new president of HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. In this episode, Dr. Lamb explains the many flavors of genetic tests that are out there and what you can reliably learn from each of them.  Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscribe to our mailing list here.

The Story of Humanity Written in Your DNA

June 13, 2022 19:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MB

Join us for this tiny expedition into genetic ancestry testing.  We will learn how genetic testing companies use your DNA to infer family relationships and hear our resident expert talk about his personal story of using his genetics to discover information about his relatives. To go behind the scenes and learn more about the technology driving genetic ancestry testing, visit "The Story of Humanity Written in Our DNA".  Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To rec...

Tiny Expeditions Season 3 Promo

April 26, 2022 15:00 - 1 minute - 804 KB

In Season 3, we will explore the many ways that DNA influences human health and disease. We'll talk about how genetics can uncover distant relatives you've never met, help doctors prescribe medications more accurately, and diagnose diseases like cancer, autoimmune diseases, and neurological diseases.  Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscribe to our mailing list here.

How is biotechnology helping to feed and fuel the world?

December 20, 2021 15:00 - 19 minutes - 13.5 MB

Join us for this tiny expedition into the world of agricultural biotechnology. We will learn some of the roles that biotechnology plays in the plant and agricultural fields, and how scientists are using science and technology to help feed and fuel Earth's growing population. To go behind the scenes of our journey into the lab and growth rooms, visit "How is biotechnology helping to feed and fuel the world?"  Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episod...

What happens when you put plants in space?

December 08, 2021 15:00 - 18 minutes - 13.1 MB

Join us for this tiny expedition into space. We will learn how scientists are trying to grow plants in space to feed future space inhabitants while also improving plants back on earth. To go behind the scenes and learn more about SustainSpace and the HudsonAlpha Genome Sequencing Center, visit "What happens when you put plants in space?".  Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscribe to our mailing list here.

What happens when you put plants in space?

December 08, 2021 15:00 - 18 minutes - 13.1 MB

Join us for this tiny expedition into space. We will learn how scientists are trying to grow plants in space to feed future space inhabitants while also improving plants back on earth. To go behind the scenes and learn more about SustainSpace and the HudsonAlpha Genome Sequencing Center, visit "What happens when you put plants in space?".  Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscribe to our mailing list here.

Can science create the perfect craft beer?

November 18, 2021 02:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MB

Join us for this tiny expedition into the world of craft beer. We will learn how scientists are trying to create regional varieties of barley and hops that can be grown across the US and using gene edited yeast to make fun and unique craft beer flavors. To go behind the scenes and learn more about barley, hops, and yeast, visit "Can science create the perfect craft beer?".  Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscr...

Can science create the perfect craft beer?

November 18, 2021 02:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MB

Join us for this tiny expedition into the world of craft beer. We will learn how scientists are trying to create regional varieties of barley and hops that can be grown across the US and using gene edited yeast to make fun and unique craft beer flavors. To go behind the scenes and learn more about barley, hops, and yeast, visit "Can science create the perfect craft beer?".  Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscr...

Can a weed save the world?

November 09, 2021 20:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MB

Join us for this tiny expedition as we splash into the aquatic world of duckweed, a tiny plant that has enormous potential to benefit us and our planet. From feeding humans and animals to eliminating chemicals and heavy metals from contaminated water sources, duckweed can do it all. To go behind the scenes of our trip to the Harkess lab, visit Can a Weed Save the World?   Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscri...

Can a weed save the world?

November 09, 2021 20:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MB

Join us for this tiny expedition as we splash into the aquatic world of duckweed, a tiny plant that has enormous potential to benefit us and our planet. From feeding humans and animals to eliminating chemicals and heavy metals from contaminated water sources, duckweed can do it all. To go behind the scenes of our trip to the Harkess lab, visit Can a Weed Save the World?   Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscri...

Can science save your favorite candy bar?

October 19, 2021 16:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MB

Join us for this tiny expedition into the world of chocolate and learn how scientists are trying to save our favorite candy bars by improving the plants that produce the tasty ingredients that make up these sweet treats. To go behind the scenes and see the peanut field and candy shop, visit Can Science Save Your Favorite Candy Bar?  Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscribe to our mailing list here.

Will science emerge as the real champion in a football rivalry gone bad?

October 04, 2021 11:00 - 21 minutes - 14.8 MB

Learn how two scientists who set out to immortalize Auburn University’s Toomer’s Oak trees actually ended up creating a college class that makes hands-on science experiences accessible to all students. To go behind the scenes to hear additional audio and see pictures from the lab, visit Will science emerge as the real champion in a football rivalry gone bad? – HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates...

Tiny Expeditions Season 2 Promo

September 22, 2021 16:00 - 1 minute - 815 KB

In Season 2 of Tiny Expeditions, we will be looking at what tiny science can tell us about the world of agriculture. During each expedition we will journey into the lab and hear from some of the world’s leading scientists. We’ll talk about how genetics may have saved your favorite candy bar, what happens when you put plants in space, can a weed save the world, or can science help create the perfect craft beer? Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episod...

Why are humans different colors?

April 13, 2020 10:00 - 23 minutes - 16.5 MB

Learn about the genetic trends that created the incredible spectrum of human diversity. Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscribe to our mailing list here.

Ep. 6: Why are humans different colors?

April 13, 2020 10:00 - 23 minutes - 16.5 MB

Learn about the genetic trends that created the incredible spectrum of human diversity.

Ep. 5: Can genetics save wildlife?

March 30, 2020 10:00 - 29 minutes - 20 MB

From endangered species to extinct ones, learn how genetics help change the game for conservationists.

Can genetics save wildlife?

March 30, 2020 10:00 - 29 minutes - 20 MB

From endangered species to extinct ones, learn how genetics help change the game for conservationists. Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscribe to our mailing list here.

Ep. 4: What's a spot to a stripe?

March 16, 2020 13:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MB

Learn what the genetics of spots and stripes can teach us about basic biology and human development. 

What's a spot to a stripe?

March 16, 2020 13:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MB

Learn what the genetics of spots and stripes can teach us about basic biology and human development.  Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscribe to our mailing list here.

What color are zebras?

March 02, 2020 14:00 - 20 minutes - 13.8 MB

Are zebras white with black stripes or black with white stripes? Plus, what can zebra stripes tell us about fundamental biology and even human health. Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscribe to our mailing list here.

Ep. 3: What color are zebras?

March 02, 2020 14:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MB

Are zebras white with black stripes or black with white stripes? Plus, what can zebra stripes tell us about fundamental biology and even human health.

Ep. 2: How wild is your house cat?

February 17, 2020 11:00 - 20 minutes - 14.5 MB

Learn why dogs come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, while house cats are all basically built the same. Plus, why house cats are just a little wilder than pet dogs.

How wild is your house cat?

February 17, 2020 11:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MB

Learn why dogs come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, while house cats are all basically built the same. Plus, why house cats are just a little wilder than pet dogs. Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscribe to our mailing list here.

Ep. 1: What do wolves owe dogs?

February 03, 2020 11:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MB

Learn how a one-in-a-billion change in DNA alters the appearance of some very striking wolves...and it's all thanks to dogs.

What do wolves owe dogs?

February 03, 2020 11:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MB

Learn how a one-in-a-billion change in DNA alters the appearance of some very striking wolves...and it's all thanks to dogs. Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscribe to our mailing list here.

Preview - HudsonAlpha presents Tiny Expeditions

January 16, 2020 19:00 - 56 seconds - 709 KB

Learn about the new podcast from HudsonAlpha, and get ready to take some little journeys into the tiny science of genetics. http://tinyexpeditions.org

Tiny Expeditions Season 1 Promo

January 16, 2020 19:00 - 56 seconds - 709 KB

Learn about the new podcast from HudsonAlpha, and get ready to take some little journeys into the tiny science of genetics. http://tinyexpeditions.org Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter at @ExpeditionsTiny. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscribe to our mailing list here.

Twitter Mentions

@expeditionstiny 18 Episodes