E29 Aoife McLysaght: Geneticist

In episode 28 I was joined by gregarious geneticist Aoife McLysaght. Aoife works in the Molecular Evolution Lab in Trinity College, Dublin. Aoife is currently engaged in a European Research Council funded search for genes that cause diseases. Sadly for me Aoife debunked my favourite genetic myth when she told me that you can't have a healthier child by exercising immediately prior to conceiving!

Our conversation covered the following topics:

1. Where Aoife's love of science came from.


2. Why Aoife chose to focus on genetics.


3. Why the traits of recessive genes don't disappear.


4. Why it's my Mother's fault I'm going bald.


5. The ethical problems with patenting genes.


6. The importance of public engagement to understanding of science.


7. Why one of Aoife's student left to join the circus.

For full episode notes go to my blog at inspirelandpodcast. Enjoy the show. Dave