Episode 12: Dr. Yingfu Li

MURSA Podcasts by Alex Zakharia

Episode notes

Hey Science Nerds! This week's episode is with Dr. Yingfu Li, a professor and renowned researcher in the Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences. Dr. Li studies Functional Nucleic Acids, focusing on single stranded DNA and RNA molecules outside of their traditional role for encoding genetic material. The Functional Nucleic Acids research group at McMaster is a leader in the exploration of DNA aptamers and DNAzymes. These DNA structures have exciting applications as biosensors, such as in the antigen-based COVID-19 test capable of detecting all variants of SARS-CoV-2 that Dr. Li's group has developed. Tune into this episode to learn more about Dr. Li’s academic journey, DNA aptamer and DNAzyme-based diagnostic testing, as well as the role of undergrads in his lab.

Keywords
covid19biosensingresearchundergraduatesciencebiochemistrynucleic acidsdnabiosensordna aptamer