Matters Microbial #117: Cancer Virus Hunters and Molecular Biology
Matters Microbial #117: Cancer Virus Hunters and Molecular Biology December 8, 2025 Today Dr. Gregory Morgan, Professor in the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences at Stevens Institute of Technology, joins the #QualityQuorum to discuss how cancer causing viruses advanced molecular biology as described in his recent book Cancer Virus Hunters. Host: Mark O. Martin Guest: Gregory Morgan Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify Become a patron of Matters Microbial! Links for this episode Here is a link to Dr. Morgan's book on the topic discussed today. A lovely interview with Dr. Morgan about his book. A great history of molecular biology, "Eighth Day of Creation" by Horace Freeland Judson. The History and Philosophy of Science program at the University of Pittsburgh. An overview of the Rous Sarcoma Virus. A biography of Dr. Peyton Rous. A video describing how RSV causes cancer by "stealing" normal genes. How some viruses may contribute to the development of cancer. Here is another video on that topic. The field of tumor virology. A really wonderful video on the genetic origin for cancer. An overview of oncogenes and protooncogenes. A video exploring how proto-oncogenes become oncogenes, and can contribute to the development of cancer. The concept of "contagious cancer" that is rare but exists. The story of papilloma viruses and "jackalopes." The history of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. An overview of retroviruses. Retroviruses and FeLV. Blue chicken eggs and ancient retroviruses. A summary for novice #Micronauts. Mammalian (including human) placenta and ancient retroviruses. Nixon's "War on Cancer." An overview of the src gene. An overview of the ras gene. An overview of the p53 gene. A video explainer of the enzyme reverse transcriptase. A biography of Howard Temin. A biography of David Baltimore. The story of Human Papillovirus (HPV) and cancer. Dr. Morgan's faculty website. Intro music is by Reber Clark Send your questions and comments to mattersmicrobial@gmail.com