Where Is Biology Headed?
Season 15 begins with Atul Butte’s legacy, new voices in rare disease, and an exclusive with the new CEO of Myriad
Dear friends of the show,
Tomorrow we launch our 15th season of Mendelspod. From the very beginning, this show has been a passion project—for the science of biology and the better health of all— two themes that continue to fascinate, challenge, and inspire us. At a time when science is under threat in this country, biologists continue with discovery after fantastic discovery. Where is biology headed at this moment? And healthcare—this ever-elusive word we strive to define—will it continue to defy a new era of skepticism?
Our new season begins with a special program honoring the late Atul Butte. Atul’s career at Stanford and UCSF marked a generation of scientists who turned data into new biology, and new biology into precision medicine. His vision shaped not only the research agenda but also the culture of discovery itself. We’re grateful to have his colleagues Marina Sirota, Chirag Patel, and Mike Snyder join us to remember his impact and carry forward his work.
Looking ahead, we’ll also feature David Ledbetter, one of the leading voices in rare disease, who is leading the Pediatric Rare Disease Institute at Florida State University. With statewide support through the Sunshine Act, the Institute is tackling newborn sequencing and the barriers to access for genomic medicine.
In addition, we have an exclusive interview with Sam Raha, the new CEO of genetic testing pioneer, Myriad Genetics, coming next month.
This season we will also lean into the conversation that doesn’t get enough recognition: the central role of diagnostics in health. While therapies often take the headlines, it’s diagnostics that quietly shape the future of care. They provide the clarity, the certainty, the roadmap for action. How can we improve the business model?
We know the industry faces headwinds right now—cuts in public funding, uncertainty in regulation, and the slower-than-hoped adoption of precision medicine. At Mendelspod, we remain optimistic. Our job is to bring you stories of new breakthroughs, new insights, new reasons to believe in biology’s power to transform lives.
To our paying subscribers who make this work possible, and to our sponsors who step forward to support these conversations: we could not do this without you. Thank you!
Talk to you in the new season!
With gratitude,
Theral Timpson
Host, Mendelspod