For Whom the Cell Tolls: Cancer Biology and Other Stories

Dec 08 2024 26 ep. 24 mins 96

For Whom the Cell Tolls: Cancer Biology and Other Stories Podcast artwork

Welcome to For Whom the Cell Tolls! This cast explores the fascinating stories of Biology that I've encountered in my journey as a Biology Professor and lymphoma scientist at Minnesota State University and my previous experience at Mayo Clinic. Major themes to be explored include cancer, tumorigenesis, new therapy mechanisms, immunology, life/death, disease ecology, microbiology, and evolution, among others. I try to integrate philosophy, culture, and the arts alongside emerging Biology findings to share the stories of life that I have always loved. Enjoy! Instagram: ProfKeenan

Copy RSS

Subscribe on Podcast Addict

026 Tumors to Textbooks - My Cancer Biology Students Discuss the Science and Future

Dec 08 2024 38 mins

Welcome to a special episode where I'm joined by 11 of my Minnesota State students as we close out our Cancer Biology lecture! We weave through discussions surrounding generational causes of cancer, potential next-generation hallmarks, treatment & financial ethics, and what the future hold for this disease as a whole. All said, this one is super fun because there are contribu

025 Do CAR-T Cells Cause/Become Tumors?

Sep 22 2024 21 mins

The basic answer is no. When faced with R-CHOP resistance, DLBCL patients now have the option to utilize genetically modified Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cells (CAR-T) designed to hunt tumors. This episode investigates the recent controversy into if these super-cells can transition into a villainous tumor themselves. We cover a paper by Garcia et. al. that showcases how much power

024 Resistance: How Healthy B-cells Fight Back Against Your Tumor

Jan 03 2024 13 mins

Hello! I’m recently returned from my annual ASH meeting where I see all of the latest advances in blood cancers. This specific facet was my favorite: small, insurgent populations of healthy B-cells portend better survival because they prime your T-cells to keep fighting. Super cool! I also have some mother grey stories from the meeting to share that I’m hopeful to get out on an

023 Depleted: How we are Beginning to Visualize the Tumor Microenvironment

Feb 27 2023 24 mins

Welcome back! It's been a while. I'm excited to get going again with an episode on the emerging science of "ecotyping" the cells around tumors - the microenvironment. Ecology and Evolution of lymphoma tumors is only half the story. We needed to know more about the state of cells around the tumor. How do they affect the surrounding immune cells? Do they support the tumor? We examine

022 What if we DNA Sequenced Everybody?

Oct 10 2021 20 mins

What do you think? Would the immensely powerful amount of data be a game-changer for medicine? Or does DNA sequencing miss too much of the picture to be worth the cost? This question is an example why we need leaders that understand Biology as genomics becomes hyper-accessible. I do my best to discuss the primary Pros and Cons of each side, along with possible modifications to the

021 Can DNA Predict Who We Love? Part II

Apr 25 2021 11 mins

Can your genome match you with a soulmate? Sort of, but we’d need more than just mammal genomes to know... I hope you enjoy, and collect your thoughts on the proposal at the end of the episode if you’re interested!

020 Can DNA Predict Who We Love? Part I

Mar 24 2021 10 mins

The Netflix series The One is based on a book with a similar premise: via genome sequencing, we can match you with your best possible partner. The show is a great watch, and the science is not too far outside the possible. In fact, it’s far closer than the Sci-fi elements suggest, although this comes with some caveat changes. This is Part I of a set of episodes related to mass se

019 Viral Gene Therapy: Augment Your DNA

Jun 16 2020 18 mins

This episode covers how gene therapy may emerge as a critical tool for medicine as we seek to treat the previously untreatable. Can we ADD genes to specific cells to help humans overcome fated genetic ailments? Why has this process challenged us in the past? And lastly, who is going to pay for all these expensive viral delivery systems? Join to take a first look at how medicine and

018 BONUS: The Top 20 Insights for Students Interested in Medical or Healthcare Graduate Programs

Apr 14 2020 60 mins

BONUS EPISODE - I collected the top 20 insights from my personal and professional colleagues that completed or are currently undertaking medical school or another healthcare program to share with my students. This episode is a recorded conversation with several of my students over video. I share what I can from my experiences, those of colleagues, and also address student questions

017 Journeys Into Biology Education

Apr 01 2020 53 mins

Join me and Gustavus Adolphus College colleague Katie Peterson to discuss our research, how we teach, our paths to becoming professors, and student questions! In this episode we address interdisciplinary connections between evolution, environmental change, and cellular biology. We hope you enjoy!