Episode 44: Comparing platforms for testing anthelmintic drugs in C. elegans with Dr. Janis Weeks

<p>For episode 44 of 17 Minutes of Science we are joined by Dr. Janis Weeks. Janis is a co-founder and chief global health officer at InVivo Biosystems in addition to being a Professor Emerita of Biology at the University of Oregon.</p> <p>Dr. Weeks is an expert in anthelmintic research, with experience and expertise in technology development for drug screening platforms, including anthelmintic (anti-nematode worm) drugs for human and animal health; nematode neurobiology and genetics; synaptic physiology; neural circuits for behavior; insect neurobiology; tropical infectious and parasitic diseases.</p> <p>Janis has taught neuroscience in Africa for 25 years, prompting her interest in neglected tropical diseases such as helminth infections. With funding from the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation, she began working on parasitic nematodes to complement work in C. elegans. Her current research focuses on new technologies to advance research into anthelmintic drugs for animals &amp; humans.</p> <p>Dr. Weeks joins us to talk about her recent paper which has been accepted pending minor revisions, Comparison of Electrophysiological and Motility Assays to Study Anthelmintic Effects in C. elegans.</p>