The Catalysts

Can a fascination with science fiction fuel life-changing research? If you've followed the career of David Edgell, PhD, then you'll know the answer is a resounding yes. From Star Trek to Blade Runner, the biochemistry professor has spent his career recreating the seemingly impossible health solutions that were promised in fictional far distant futures. Edgell is now exploring the next frontier of gene editing as he pushes the science behind CRISPR-Cas9, the Nobel Prize-winning technology that allows scientists to cut DNA at precise locations. David Edgell, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. Related links: The Edgell Lab New funding advances precision gene-editing technology Gene editing's next frontier

The future of neurosurgery is bright. That's according to neurosurgeon Dr. Victor Yang, who is combining engineering and medicineto improve patients' lives. Fresh off 24 hours of back-to-back surgeries, Dr. Yang joins The Catalysts to discuss the evolution of technology in neurosurgery, share some of his favourite inventions and provide an intimate look at life in a high-stakes career. Dr. Victor Yang is a Professor of Neurosurgery, Medical Imaging, Orthopaedic Surgery and Medical Biophysics at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, where he holds the Charles G. Drake Chair in Neurosurgery Research. He was recently elected as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. Related links: This is Not a Robot Takeover – Rapport Magazine: https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/rapport//2025/features/this_is_not_a_robot_takeover.html Pioneering research bridges engineering and medicine: https://news.westernu.ca/2022/03/pioneering-research-bridges-engineering-and-medicine/ Life-saving surgery inspires gift to spinal implant research: https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/about/news-events-community/news/2026/life-saving-surgery-inspires-gift-to-spinal-implant-research.html EPISODE CHAPTERS 0:44 – Intro 2:07 – Combining engineering and medicine 6:20 – Unpacking neurosurgery 9:10 – Technology and neurosurgery 12:42 – Dr. Yang's inventions 17:18 – The future of neurosurgery 20:29 – The high stakes of neurosurgery 27:10 – Invention inspiration 29:10 – Dr. Yang's love for London, Ont.

There's power in shining a light on an invisible injury. That's what Dr. Ruth Lanius has heard from the patients she's treated for post-trauma stress disorder (PTSD). Working with civilians, military members, first responders and refugees, the internationally recognized researcher is exploring new and effective ways to treat PTSD. In this episode of The Catalysts, Dr. Lanius shares what she knows about PTSD and what's yet to be discovered. Dr. Ruth Lanius is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University. She holds the Harris-Woodman Chair in Psyche & Soma. With Dr. Ruth Lanius MDr. Ruth Lanius is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University. She holds the Harris-Woodman Chair in Psyche & Soma.   Related links: Dr. Ruth Lanius' website: https://www.ruthlanius.com/ Dr. Lanius' latest book, Sensory Pathways to Healing from Trauma: Harnessing the Brain's Capacity for Change: https://www.indigo.ca/products/sensory-pathways-to-healing-from-trauma  

The health of our planet requires a solution that bridges perspectives, knowledges and people. It's a solution that Nicole Redvers, DPhil, ND, has promoted at regional, national and international levels, working to advocate for the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives in both human and planetary health research and practice. In this episode of The Catalysts, we catch up with Redvers to learn about her prescription for planetary health. Nicole Redvers, DPhil, ND, is a member of the Denı́nu Kų́ę́ First Nation (Northwest Territories, Canada), and is an Associate Professor, Western Research Chair, and Director of Indigenous Planetary Health at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University. Related links: Indigenous Community & Planetary Health Research Lab Stories of Hope & Strength – Healing Hearts The Science of the Sacred: Bridging Global Indigenous Medicine Systems and Modern Scientific Principles Episode chapters Timing may vary after final edit of podcast. 0:00 – Intro 1:21 – Linking planetary health and human health 3:54 – Understanding planetary health 5:29 – Indigenous Peoples and land stewardship 7:07 – Policy and planetary health 15:27 – Communicating planetary health 19:55 – Bridging knowledge and perspectives 26:50 – Healing Hearts 31:49 – The importance of wellness 36:30 – The future of planetary health

When it comes to predicting your health, the answer often lies in your DNA. That's according to Dr. Rob Hegele, whose life's work has led to numerous breakthroughs for patients combatting cardiovascular disease. In this episode of The Catalysts, we catch up with the 2026 Canadian Medical Hall of Fame inductee to learn about reading DNA, treating high cholesterol, witnessing groundbreaking research and the art of curiosity and discovery. Dr. Rob Hegele is a Distinguished University Professor in the Departments of Medicine (Division of Endocrinology) and Biochemistry at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. He is a Scientist at the Robarts Research Institute, where he serves as Director of the London Regional Genomics Centre. He is also the holder of the Edith Schulich Vinet Chair in Human Genetics, the Jacob J. Wolfe Distinguished Medical Research Chair in Human Gene Function and the Martha G. Blackburn Chair in Cardiovascular Research. Related links: The London Regional Genomics Centre The Lipid Genetics Clinic Dr. Robert Hegele inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Episode Chapters 0:00 – Intro 0:37 – Predicting health with genes 9:19 – On treating high cholesterol 14:59 – The power of genetic diagnoses 17:23 – The birth of statins 21:12 – Theories on cholesterol 26:45 – Dr. Hegele's musical origins 30:12 – The art of discovery 35:50 – The future of cardiovascular disease