S5.10 Squid Game: the strange science of cephalopods
Hello and welcome to Genetics Unzipped, the Genetics Society podcast, with me, Dr Sally Le Page. In this episode, we're exploring the genetic secrets of squid. What has made squid so difficult to genetically manipulate, and why are scientists sending squid…into space?
When Squid Game went viral on Netflix last year, I watched it with great anticipation, only to be disappointed by the scarcity of cephalopods on screen. Yes, there was drama in the uneasy alliances between players, and the ingenuity of the characters to solve the challenges thrown at them. But, I would argue, there is just as much drama to be found in the world of actual squid. And so for the next half an hour, I’ll be uncovering the underwater dramas of squid; their intimate alliances with glowing bacteria, how their ingenious eggshells have frustrated geneticists, and even squids in space.
Sarah McAnulty, image courtesy of Sarah McAnulty
Sarah McAnulty: secret lives of squid
I sat down with squid biologist and science communicator, Dr Sarah McAnulty. First things first, what exactly is a squid? Click here to find out what Sarah had to say…
Jamie Foster: squids in space
I chatted with Professor Jamie Foster, a microbiologist at the University of Florida working on symbiotic relationships between host animals and their microbes. Part of her research involves sending baby squid into space. That’s right, glowing squid in space. My research was never that cool. So first things first, who are the partners in this symbiotic relationship, and why does a squid need to glow in the dark?. Click here to learn more about Jamie’s research…
Jamie Foster, image courtesy of Jamie Foster
That’s all for now. Thanks to our guests Sarah McAnulty and Jamie Foster.
We’ll be back next time to find out about the etiquette of having your family for dinner. By which, of course, I mean cannibalism among relatives. Kids meal, anyone?
For more information about this podcast including show notes, transcripts, links, references, music credits and everything else head over to geneticsunzipped.com You can find us on Twitter @geneticsunzip and please do take a moment to rate and review us on Apple podcasts - it really makes a difference and helps more people discover the show.
This episode of Genetics Unzipped was written and presented and produced by me, Sally Le Page. It is made by First Create the Media for The Genetics Society - one of the oldest learned societies in the world dedicated to supporting and promoting the research, teaching and application of genetics. You can find out more and apply to join at genetics.org.uk. Our theme music was composed by Dan Pollard, and the logo was designed by James Mayall. Thanks for listening, and until next time, goodbye.
Image credits:
Hawaiian bobtail squid paralarvae, image courtesy of Jamie Foster
