Nutrigenomics video conference
Diet, health and genes – it all comes together in a new area of research, called nutrigenomics. To find out more, Year 10 students from six secondary schools participated in a video conference with New Zealander Lynn Ferguson and North American Jim Kaput.
Watch clips of Lynn and Jim talking about:
The science of nutrigenomics
The role of nutrigenomics in diseases such as Crohn’s disease, Type II diabetes, and obesity
The use of cell and animal models in their research
How nutrigenomics research may lead to changes in the ways we think about how to best manage our health
The students who prepared and asked the questions during this interview are from the following schools: Mercury Bay Area School, Thames High School, Morrinsville College, Paeroa College, Whangamata Area School, Waihi College, and Te Aroha College. Students from Coromandel Area School also helped prepare the interview questions but were unable to be part of the interview.
This video conference was organised with the help of Nutrigenomics New Zealand and the students’ e-learning science teacher, Dr Paul Lowe.
Video clips
What is the goal of nutrigenomics?
Lynn Ferguson from New Zealand and Jim Kaput from the United States both lead teams that are recognised internationally in this field. Here they explain their research goals.
Nutrigenomics can help improve disease control - but is that all?
Lynn Ferguson from Auckland University describes what nutrigenomics research might lead to in the future.
Crohn's disease: What is it?
Lynn Ferguson from Auckland University describes some of the symptoms of Crohn's disease.
Crohn's Disease: Creating a family tree
Lynn Ferguson from Auckland University explains why creating a family history of the disease can be difficult. What does this mean for researchers?
Type II diabetes: Why your diet is important
Type II diabetes is caused by a malfunction in the way our bodies process sugar. This malfunction in the digestive system can be triggered by our diet. Lynn Ferguson from Auckland University and Jim Kaput from the University of California explain what this means.
The 'fat' gene
Not only are there gene variants that make you more likely to be obese, an overload of food in your system can cause gene mis-expression, making it very easy to put on more weight. Jim Kaput from the University of California explains.
Research models: What and why?
World experts Lynn Ferguson and Jim Kaput explain why cell models and animal models are so important in their research.
What makes mice good research models?
Animal models are often needed in medical research because human samples cannot be reasonably obtained. Lynn Ferguson and Jim Kaput explain what makes mice an appropriate choice.
When will nutrigenomics hit the supermarkets?
Lynn Ferguson and Jim Kaput lead two of the world's biggest nutrigenomics research projects. Here they explain why it will take time for the whole concept of nutrigenomics products to reach the public.
Nutrigenomics and genetic modification
What is Lynn Ferguson's take-home message about nutrigenomics and genetic modification
Nutrigenomics and the future of medicine
Is it more likely that people will change what they eat, or that new supplements and medicines will be produced as a result of this research?
Nutrigenomics: It's not rocket science
Jim Kaput from the University of California explains what makes a good scientist and what you need to do to be one.
