Come along as we explore some of the world's most fundamental problems, and how a New Wave of innovative companies are dead set on solving them. New Wave weaves storytelling with fascinating science that is accessible to everyone, giving you insights into your health, the struggles of others, and the pioneering entrepreneurs behind it all.
You might be surprised to find out which tucked-away place is shaping the future of Life Sciences. Find out on New Wave.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Come along as we explore some of the world's most fundamental problems, and how a New Wave of innovative companies are dead set on solving them. New Wave weaves storytelling with fascinating science that is accessible to everyone, giving you insights into your health, the struggles of others, and the pioneering entrepreneurs behind it all.
You might be surprised to find out which tucked-away place is shaping the future of Life Sciences. Find out on New Wave.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
One in two of us will face cancer. This episode follows a Nova Scotian scientist who discovered ALDH1A3 and risked everything to try to turn it into a therapy.
Episode breakdown & timestamps:
00:00 — Cold statistic and the stakes: why every cancer discovery matters. We open with the brutal reality: despite promising lab results, only ~10% of discoveries become human therapies.
02:00 — The enemy explained. Dr. Paola Marcato breaks down what cancer and metastasis really are and why targeting spread is critical.
06:00 — The scientist’s path. Paola’s pivot from bacterial research to oncology, mentorship at Dalhousie, and the moment the lab “whispered” a secret.
12:00 — The discovery: ALDH1A3 — a supercharger enzyme linked to aggressive, treatment‑resistant tumours and why it matters for precision medicine.
14:30 — The choice: translate to a drug or stay in the lab. The moral, financial and scientific risks of starting Theranib in Nova Scotia.
Guest bio & credentials:
Dr. Paola Marcato — cancer biologist at Dalhousie University and co‑founder of Theranib. Her work identified ALDH1A3 as a driver of aggressive, metastatic cancer phenotypes and sparked a translational effort to develop targeted therapies.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.