Cryo-Conservation | Prof Ricardo Mancera and Dr Bryn Funnekotter
Why are experts turning to cryo-preservation to combat plant extinction threats? In this episode, host David Karsten is joined by Professor Ricardo Mancera and Dr Bryn Funnekotter to discuss the role of cryo-preservation for long-term conservation of plant species, asked why this is necessary for industry, and discussed emerging cryo biotechnology that could be a viable alternative to conventional seed storage.
What sort of challenge does plant extinction pose to Australia's unique biodiversity? [01:01]
The role that cryo-preservation plays in preservation of natural environments [ 08:54]
How mining industry and scientists work together to restore degraded ecosystems [17:23]
The wider implications of saving species via cryo-storage [30:11]
Learn more
Cryo-Seed Banking at Kings Park, WA
The successful cryo-freezing of Avocado Trees/Seeds in QLD (ABC)
Scientists reviving 32000 year old previously extinct seeds from Siberia (National Geographic)
Connect with our guests
Professor Ricardo Mancera
Prof. Ricardo Mancera is a distinguished expert in Biophysical Chemistry and Computational Biophysics from Curtin University's School of Biomedical Sciences. His research delves into the complexities of protein behaviour, enzyme mechanisms, and hydration's role in drug design, advancing medical science and therapeutics.
Dr Bryn Funnekotter
Dr. Bryn Funnekotter leads biotechnological conservation efforts with a profound passion for preserving Australian flora. Based dually at Curtin University and Kings Park, his research focus is to enhance and solidify the use of cryopreservation and plant tissue culture as viable conservation instruments for Australia's unique plant species.
LinkedIn
Botanic Gardens of WA Staff Page
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Transcript
Behind the scenes
Hosts: David Karsten
Producer: Emilia Jolakoska
Episode researcher: Alex Foot
Recordist: Alex Foot
Editor: Alex Foot
Executive producer: Anita Shore
First Nations Acknowledgement
Curtin University acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which Curtin Perth is located, the Whadjuk people of the Nyungar Nation, and on Curtin Kalgoorlie, the Wongutha people of the North-Eastern Goldfields; and the First Nations peoples on all Curtin locations.
Music
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Curtin University supports academic freedom of speech. The views expressed in The Future Of podcast may not reflect those of Curtin University.
