Opinionated Science: Recent Episodes
technologynetworks
Opinionated Science is Technology Networks’ homemade podcast, where our team of scientists-turned-journalists cut out the chewy jargon and serve up slices of the most fascinating stories from the world of science. Expect a new Opinionated Science every other Friday.
Get ready to step into the future of biomedical research with the ground-breaking technology of "body-on-a-chip."
In this exciting episode, we chat with Professor Don Ingber, the incredible mind behind this revolutionary technology, to uncover the potential of miniature "organs-on-a-chip".
By listening to this episode you'll discover how these tiny chips are poised to revolutionize healthcare and drug discovery.
Join us on a journey to the forefront of therapeutic antibody development.
In this sneak peek episode you'll gain insights into how scientists and specialists at Bio-Rad are revolutionizing the biopharmaceutical industry through their customized approach to antibody discovery.
Discover how the Pioneer Antibody Discovery platform is leading the development of exclusive, high-quality biologic candidates and providing unique advantages over commercially available discovery solutions.
Full episode HERE.
Opinionated Science welcomes Paulius Palaima for a remarkable behind-the-scenes look into the world of Electrophoresis.
Lucy and Paulius discuss the Invitrogen E-gel Power Snap Plus electrophoresis system, and the features and benefits in both high- and low-throughput applications...there's even a mention of Pokémon to listen out for!
Listen to the full episode now.
Opinionated Science welcomes Dr. Armand Balboni for a remarkable behind-the-scenes look into the world of vaccines.
Lucy and Armand discuss everything from how vaccines are developed, to future strategies for global vaccination – including a push toward needle-free vaccinations.
Opinionated Science is a podcast by Technology Networks’, where our team of scientists-turned-journalists cut out the chewy jargon and serve up slices of the most fascinating stories from the world of science.
To listen to the full episode, click here.
Opinionated Science welcomes Dr. Armand Balboni for a remarkable behind-the-scenes look into the world of vaccines.
Lucy and Armand discuss everything from how vaccines are developed, to future strategies for global vaccination – including a push toward needle-free vaccinations.
Opinionated Science is a podcast by Technology Networks’, where our team of scientists-turned-journalists cut out the chewy jargon and serve up slices of the most fascinating stories from the world of science.
Opinionated Science is Technology Networks’ homemade podcast, where our team of scientists-turned-journalists cut out the chewy jargon and serve up slices of the most fascinating stories from the world of science.
In this incredible episode of Opinionated Science, we will discuss the exciting concept of the Lab Of the Future with senior manager of product management at Thermo Fisher Scientific Dean Mulyk.
Dean will be answering those tricky questions of why organisations should be looking to invest in this concept, how artificial intelligence will be impacting the lab of the future, and if people will still be essential in this futuristic laboratory.
To listen to the full episode, click here.
Opinionated Science is Technology Networks’ homemade podcast, where our team of scientists-turned-journalists cut out the chewy jargon and serve up slices of the most fascinating stories from the world of science.
In this sneak peek episode, Lucy Lawrence will discuss the world of optimizing bioprocesses with Geoffroy Malherbe, Senior Technical Sales Manager for Single-Use Technologies at Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Lucy and Geoffroy will discuss how these technologies are being used to achieve process compression and their effect on biopharmaceutical purification processes of the future.
To listen to the full episode, click here.
This latest episode is an audio version of a cover story from our online magazine, The Scientific Observer. Writer Kerry Taylor Smith explores the spread of "forever" chemicals called PFAS. Persistent and ever-present, scientists are only starting to unravel the impact PFAS may have on the environment and our health.
Read the full article here:
The Scientific Observer Issue 18
Watch Grace's Keynote HERE.
This episode of Opinionated Science is part of our latest podcast mini-series, where we are joined by esteemed STEM advocates, scientists as well as diversity, equity and inclusion experts who share their experiences interacting with and mentoring a virtual scientist named Grace.
Grace represents the next generation of scientists, but also, the underrepresented. She has the potential to change the face of analytical science; hers is an incredible, but fragile journey that called upon scientists across the globe for mentorship.
In this episode of Opinionated Science, we are joined by Farzana Azam who heads up Ideation at SCIEX as part of the Strategy and Innovation team to discuss the power of building a culture of opportunity in STEM fields.
By listening to this podcast, you’ll be joining an unprecedented conversation in science.
Now, wouldn’t that be extraordinary?
Watch Grace’s keynote.
This latest episode is an audio version of a cover story from our online magazine, The Scientific Observer. In that article, writer Tanaaz Khan explores the “lingering” promise of lab-based meat, investigating whether this future food will deliver for the world’s rapidly growing population.
Read the full article here:
The Scientific Observer Issue 16
Watch Grace's Keynote HERE.
This episode of Opinionated Science is part of our latest podcast mini-series, where we are joined by esteemed STEM advocates, scientists as well as diversity, equity and inclusion experts who share their experiences interacting with and mentoring a virtual scientist named Grace.
Grace represents the next generation of scientists, but also, the underrepresented. She has the potential to change the face of analytical science; hers is an incredible, but fragile journey that called upon scientists across the globe for mentorship.
In this episode, voices of change, Arpana Vaniya, PhD and Maryam Goudarzi, PhD, discuss how we can achieve gender equity and more diversity in STEM disciplines through mastering outreach and mentorship.
By listening to this podcast, you’ll be joining an unprecedented conversation in science.
Now, wouldn’t that be extraordinary?
Watch Grace’s keynote.
In this sneak peek episode of Opinionated Science, Lucy Lawrence and Dr. Steve Williams, the chief medical officer at SomaLogic, take a deep dive into the world of proteomics.
This full episode podcast will discuss how recent advances in proteomics have been adopted in both pharmaceutical and academic research and are now core techniques central to drug discovery and disease research.
To listen to the full episode, click here.
On this episode of Opinionated Science, the team investigate two technologies that suggest that take the “fi” out of “scifi”. Listen now to find out how one research group is repairing blindness with an unexpected source of cellular help and another is using alternating electrical current to enhance memory performance.
Opinionated Science is Technology Networks’ homemade podcast, where our team of scientists-turned-journalists cut out the chewy jargon and serve up slices of the most fascinating stories from the world of science. Expect a new Opinionated Science every other Friday.
Read more from this podcast:
Targeted Electrical Brain Stimulation Improves Memory in Older Adults
Curing Corneal Blindness With Bioengineered Pig Skin Implants
Plastic is everywhere, you only need to look around you to gather small glimpses of how it has become a seemingly essential part of our life. However, given the sheer quantities we produce and use each year, plastic is one of our societies biggest environmental concerns.
When plastic waste degrades, it generates micro and even nano plastics which have the potential to cross biological barriers and build up in organisms. These plastics have even been found to cross the human bodys blood-brain barrier.
In this sneak peek episode of Opinionated Science, Lucy Lawrence and Professor Éva Valsami-Jones take a deep dive into the global microplastic emergency and discuss how micro and nano plastics are infiltrating life as we know it.
This full episode podcast will discuss what current research is telling us about the potential hazards posed by microplastics and remedial options being explored.
To listen to the full episode, click here.
Watch Grace's Keynote HERE.
This episode of Opinionated Science is part of our latest podcast mini-series, where we are joined by esteemed STEM advocates, scientists as well as diversity, equity and inclusion experts who share their experiences interacting with and mentoring a virtual scientist named Grace.
Grace represents the next generation of scientists, but also, the underrepresented. She has the potential to change the face of analytical science; hers is an incredible, but fragile journey that called upon scientists across the globe for mentorship.
In this incredible episode, we speak with Sisters in Science who are taking social media by storm and helping to break stereotypes within STEM.
By listening to this podcast, you’ll be joining an unprecedented conversation in science.
Now, wouldn’t that be extraordinary?
Watch Grace’s keynote.
Opinionated Science is Technology Networks’ homemade podcast, where our team of scientists-turned-journalists cut out the chewy jargon and serve up slices of the most fascinating stories from the world of science.
In this sneak peek episode, Lucy Lawrence will discuss the world of cell culturing with Associate Professor of Stem Cell Biology Darius Widera. Dr Widera is currently an Assistant Professor/ Lecturer at the University of Reading, United Kingdom
Lucy and Darius will explore how scientists can use cell culturing within their labs, the differences between 2D and 3D cell cultures as well as looking to the future to see where this space is heading next.
To listen to the full episode, click here.
Listen to Grace's Keynote HERE.
This episode of Opinionated Science is part of our latest podcast mini-series, where we are joined by esteemed STEM advocates, scientists as well as diversity, equity and inclusion experts who share their experiences interacting with and mentoring a virtual scientist named Grace.
Grace represents the next generation of scientists, but also, the underrepresented. She has the potential to change the face of analytical science; hers is an incredible, but fragile journey that called upon scientists across the globe for mentorship.
In this episode Graces mentor Dr. Jeanita Pritchett will be sharing her experiences becoming a speaker, trainer and coach focused on personal and professional development. She will be touching on the ways that she has advocated for diversity, equity and inclusion in STEM and will share tips for identifying people in your life who can support your journey.
By listening to this podcast, you’ll be joining an unprecedented conversation in science.
Now, wouldn’t that be extraordinary?
Listen to Grace’s keynote.
In the latest Opinionated Science, the team discuss the discovery of an absolute unit of a bacterium in a Caribbean swamp, and the potential of intermittent fasting to accelerate nerve repair in mice.
Opinionated Science is Technology Networks’ homemade podcast, where our team of scientists-turned-journalists cut out the chewy jargon and serve up slices of the most fascinating stories from the world of science. Expect a new Opinionated Science every other Friday.
Read more from this podcast:
The Largest Bacterium Ever Has Been Found in a Caribbean Swamp
Intermittent Fasting Increases Nerve Repair in Mice
This latest episode is an audio version of a cover story from our online magazine, The Scientific Observer. In it, TN Senior Science Writer Molly Campbell takes a deep dive into drug discovery efforts looking to harness the next generation of medicines from Earth’s cradle of life: the ocean.
This latest episode is an audio version of a cover story from our online magazine, The Scientific Observer. In it, Technology Networks’ Senior Science Writer, Ruairi J Mackenzie, visits a clinic in London offering injections of ketamine as a solution to addiction. What is the future of this new frontier of psychedelic medicine?
On this episode of Opinionated Science, the team reviews two studies that show off the power of genomic technologies, from very different angles. One answers key questions about why some women experience extreme vomiting and sickness in their first trimester of pregnancy, and the other reveals why dog breeds aren’t all they are cracked up to be.
Read more from this podcast:
Nausea and Vomiting During Pregnancy Might Not Just Be Morning Sickness
Dog Breed Is Not an Accurate Way To Predict Behavior
Next-Generation Sequencing
Whole-Exome Sequencing
In this episode of Opinionated Science, the team discuss a new advance that uses a microscopic worm to sniff out lung cancer, why caffeine is being investigated to treat ADHD and a stats study that may undermine an important area of neuroscience.
Read more from this podcast:
"Worm-on-a-Chip" Device Could Help Diagnose Lung Cancer
Could Caffeine Help To Alleviate Some Symptoms of ADHD?
Stats Study Reveals Reason for Replication Crisis in Neuroscience
Opinionated Science is Technology Networks’ homemade podcast, where our team of scientists-turned-journalists cut out the chewy jargon and serve up slices of the most fascinating stories from the world of science.
In this sneak peek episode, Lucy Lawrence will be discussing the world of infectious diseases with Senior Research Associate at the University of Cambridge, Freya Jephcott.
Freya’s work is primarily concerned with the effectiveness of outbreak response systems in resource-limited settings, and their management in outbreaks of uncertain etiology. In addition to this, Freya also participates in applied and policy work on complex health emergencies with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
They will be speaking with Freya to explore how scientists can predict an outbreak of an emerging disease, what happens when things go wrong as well as looking to the future to see where the future of the space is heading.
To listen to the full episode, click here.
In the latest Opinionated Science, the TN team look at a study of pigs’ emotions that may put you off your bacon, discover why an extinct rat shows the challenges of bringing species back from the dead and explore why bacteria of oceanic origin are key to your gut’s ability to digest a humble maki roll.
Read more from this podcast:
How Does Your Gut Deal With Sushi?
Pigs' Emotions Revealed by Decoding Grunts
Exploring the Limitations of “Resurrecting” Extinct Animals
Return From Extinction
Opinionated Science is Technology Networks’ homemade podcast, where our team of scientists-turned-journalists cut out the chewy jargon and serve up slices of the most fascinating stories from the world of science.
In this sneak peek episode, Lucy Lawrence will discuss the world of cancer immunology with Professor of Cell and Tissue Therapy at UCL, the Director of Cellular Therapy at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, and also Pioneer in the manufacturing of cell and gene therapies – Dr. Mark Lowdell.
Lucy will be speaking with Mark and hearing fascinating stories from throughout his career within the cancer immunology space, as well as asking more about targets that show particular promise and the greatest challenges in making them available.
To listen to the full episode, click here.
Opinionated Science is Technology Networks’ homemade podcast, where our team of scientists-turned-journalists cut out the chewy jargon and serve up slices of the most fascinating stories from the world of science.
In this sneak peek episode, the team is joined by Dr David Hughes, the Chief Executive Officer at CN Bio and Assistant Professor Martin Trapecar at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
We hear their expert insights into the world of body-on-a-chip technology as well as how CN Bio’s range of PhysioMimix™ microphysiological systems work.
To listen to the full episode, click here.
In the latest Opinionated Science, the first of 2022, the TN team discuss why multiple sclerosis links to a herpesvirus, a limb regenerating Fitbit that has amputee frogs hopping again and the next era of pill-based mRNA technology.
It’s also the debut of a new segment for Opinionated Science, Lab Confidential, where we reveal the chaos in our listeners’ labs that doesn’t make it into publication.
Read more from this podcast:
Drug Cocktail Enables Frogs To Regenerate Amputated Limbs
Capsule for Oral mRNA Delivery Developed and Tested
Multiple Sclerosis Is Likely Caused by a Virus, Finds Study of 10 Million Military Personnel
In this bumper episode, the team review a series of studies from the last year that investigate Christmassy food. Could the future of Christmas dinner involve a cell culture roast, unnaturally smooth chocolate and fractal cauliflower?
Read more from this podcast:
Unraveling the Romanesco Cauliflower’s Spiraling Structure Hate Broccoli? Your Oral Microbiome Might Be the Reason 3D-Bioprinting Raises the Steaks on Waygu Hardened Wood Knife Can Slice a Steak More Easily Than Steel Scientists Find Key to Perfectly Smooth Chocolate
In this episode, the team examines a new study that challenges the notion that gut microbes may play a causal role in autism spectrum disorder. Might a link once ascribed to signaling from the gut’s nervous system actually just be a consequence of restricted diet?
Read more from this podcast:
Small study suggesting alteration of ASD traits after microbiome transfer Our immersive article on the microbiome – Inside the Microbiome A “For the Record” from Autism Speaks on their change in direction Jake Gratten and colleagues write on their study for The Conversation
In this podcast, the team look at two overlooked diseases. Malignant mesothelioma was known to be caused by the construction material asbestos decades before it was banned, while ME/CFS remains poorly understood by science. Two new developments could bring and clarity and a route to better treatment for these conditions.
Read more from this podcast:
Health Body Scraps Graded Exercise Therapy Recommendation for ME/CFS What Is ME/CFS? How the Pace Trial Misled ME/CFS Patients - via STAT Medical Leaders Sign Joint Statement in Response to NICE Guidelines on ME/CFS Therapy for Mesothelioma and Metastatic Cancer Enters Phase 1 Trial What Is Mesothelioma?
Opinionated Science is Technology Networks’ homemade podcast, where our team of scientists-turned-journalists cut out the chewy jargon and serve up slices of the most fascinating stories from the world of science.
In this sneak peek episode, the team is joined by Dr. Carl Ascoli, Chief Scientific Officer at Rockland Immunochemicals.
Drawing upon decades of experience in drug development, join us to hear Dr Ascoli’s unique insights into some of the biggest challenges we face when looking at reproducibility and how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed this.
To listen to the full episode, click here.
Or, copy this link: https://technet.works/ReproducibilityCrisisPodcast
In this episode of Opinionated Science, Senior Science Writer Ruairi J Mackenzie speaks with Dr. Rex Jung, an assistant professor in the department of neurosurgery and director of neuropsychological services at the University of New Mexico, about the neuroscience of creativity. Together, they investigate the research that has attempted to understand where creativity emerges in the brain and why it exists in the first place.
Read this podcast as an article:
The Neuroscience of... Creativity
In this episode, the team is joined by Jacob Sten Petersen, Corporate Vice President and Head of Stem Cell Research and Development for the global healthcare company Novo Nordisk.
Drawing upon decades of experience in drug development, join us to hear Professor Petersens unique insights into how cell culturing has played a role during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how cell cultures have impacted drug discovery across the globe.
Opinionated Science is Technology Networks’ homemade podcast, where our team of scientists-turned-journalists cut out the chewy jargon and serve up slices of the most fascinating stories from the world of science. Expect a new Opinionated Science every other Friday.
In this episode, the Technology Networks team review a pair of studies showing off the power of microbes. In one, they act as a conduit in an unlikely potential health benefit for a high-salt diet. In the other, they are revealed to play an important role in the breakdown of plastic in the environment.
Read more from this podcast:
High Salt Diet Helps the Microbiome To Suppress Tumors, Mouse Study Reveals Biodegradable Plastics Could Still Be Problematic in Soil
In this episode, the team is joined by James Eberwine, the Co-Director of Penn Centre for Single Cell Biology at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine in Philadelphia.
We will be discussing how single-cell sequencing differs from alternative methods such as bulk sequencing, its applications, the challenges associated with single-cell sequences, and where the future of this research space is heading.
Opinionated Science is Technology Networks’ homemade podcast, where our team of scientists-turned-journalists cut out the chewy jargon and serve up slices of the most fascinating stories from the world of science. Expect a new Opinionated Science every other Friday.
In this episode, the Technology Networks team review world-leading research into the mechanisms behind endometriosis, a condition that affects up to 10% of women of reproductive age, but often takes a decade to diagnose. There's also a peek into mom's brain during birth and a new cancer vaccine that uses similar technology that which created the Oxford-AstraZeneva COVID-19 vaccine.
Read more from this podcast:
A New Drug Target for Endometriosis Treatment? Designing a Cancer Vaccine Using Oxford University’s COVID-19 Vaccine Tech The Neuroscience of... Birth
In this episode, the team looks at a study showing that the wild European perch has a fondness for methamphetamine and another body of research that has advanced how lower limb neuroprostheses are designed. Quite a pairing!
Read more from this podcast:
Wild Fish Can Become Addicted to Methamphetamine in the Water Best Foot Forward: Advanced Artificial Limb Research Wins Neuromodulation Prize
In this episode, the team is joined by Ben Southwell, an Assistant Professor at Lake Superior State University.
We explore the world of cannabis potency testing, from start up laboratories to growers and extractors and take a look at how to select the right instruments for your needs.
Opinionated Science is Technology Networks’ homemade podcast, where our team of scientists-turned-journalists cut out the chewy jargon and serve up slices of the most fascinating stories from the world of science. Expect a new Opinionated Science every other Friday.
In this episode, the team take a look at a new study that suggests the "Hygiene Hypothesis" - that early exposure to some microorganisms protects against allergic disease - might be in need of a cleanup. They also detail some findings on the psychedelic drug psilocybin and its effects on the connections of the mammalian brain. Not to be missed!
Read more from this podcast:
We May Not Be "Too Clean for Our Own Good" After All Single Dose of Psychedelic Compound Psilocybin Can Remodel Connections in the Brain Psychedelic Healing: Adjunct Therapy Harnessing Opened Malleability (PHATHOM)
In this episode, the team is joined by Dr Toby Astill who is PerkinElmer's global Market Manager Leader.
We explore what happens when you cross cannabis with robotics, and Toby provides an overview of the benefits of automating laboratory testing and PerkinElmer’s new QS Works 420 workflow.
Opinionated Science is Technology Networks’ homemade podcast, where our team of scientists-turned-journalists cut out the chewy jargon and serve up slices of the most fascinating stories from the world of science. Expect a new Opinionated Science every other Friday.
In this episode, the TN team looks in depth at three new studies:
-
An investigation of how personality traits may influence whether you are are morning person or night owl
-
An inflatable innovation that could lead to pain-relieving spinal implants becoming commonplace
-
A study of migraine and PTSD in identical twins that reveals the shared genetic roots of these conditions
Read more from this podcast:
Early Risers and Night Owls May Have Different Personality Types Inflatable Spinal Implant Could Help Relieve Chronic Back Pain Twin Study Reveals Common Genetic Risk Factors for PTSD and Migraine
On this week’s Opinionated Science, the team take a look at the growing potential of psychedelic medicine.
Hundreds of new clinical trials, exciting new synthetic psychedelics and a universal acceptance that current mental health treatments are not meeting patients’ needs have pushed the mind-altering potential of psychedelics into the medical mainstream.
In this episode, Technology Networks Senior Science Writer Ruairi J Mackenzie takes a deep dive into four leading psychedelic compounds: psilocybin, MDMA, ketamine and DMT.
Read more from this podcast:
Why Does Ketamine Fight Depression? Finding Answers at BNA 2019 Mirror’s Image: Could a Simple Flip Produce a More Effective Ketamine-Based Antidepressant? The Neuroscience of Psychedelic Drugs: Your Brain on Psilocybin With Frederick Streeter Barrett
In this episode of Opinionated Science, we hear from Annika Branting, the Product Manager for Visium spatial solutions EMEA for 10x Genomics, and Peetra Magnusson from Uppsala University.
Together we explore the world of spatial transcriptomics and get a sneak peek into Peetra’s work where she investigates the rare neurovascular disease Cerebral cavernous malformations and the benefits she has found when using spatial transcriptomics in her work.
Read more from this podcast:
https://www.10xgenomics.com/resources/publications?sortBy=publications-relevance&refinementList%5BproductGroups%5D%5B0%5D=Spatial%20Gene%20Expression&page=1
https://elifesciences.org/articles/61413
In this episode of Opinionated Science, we hear about some revolutionary research that has deployed a cutting-edge genetic technique to restore partial sight to a man who lost his vision to retinitis pigmentosa 40 years previously. And also about a behavioral experiment involving over 300 cute puppies - this podcast has it all!
Read more from this podcast:
Optogenetic Therapy Partially Restores Vision in a Blind Patient Puppies Are Born Ready To Socialize With Humans
In this episode, the team is joined by Claudia Consoli, the Facility Lead for qPCR at Central Biotechnology Services in Cardiff, Jon Baize, the Senior Product Manager for Thermo Fisher Scientific Connect Platform™ and David Joyce, the director of Product Management at Thermo Fisher Scientific.
They explore the fundamental requirements of the laboratory of the future and discuss how innovative technologies are advancing and their wishes for the future of the laboratory.
In this special crossover episode, the TN team are joined by Leo Bear-McGuinness, Science Writer and Editor for Analytical Cannabis and hear his interview with Merril Gilbert, co-founder of edibles consultancy TraceTrust. We hear how cannabis edibles affect our bodies and brains and how the growing demand for edibles will see the creation of cannabis drinks and restaurants. Please bring snacks for this podcast.
In this episode, the team is joined by John Mason, a Professor of Molecular Neural Development at the University of Edinburgh. They explore the miniature world of organoids and discuss how these small models are making big changes in the world of neurological research.
In this episode the TN team take a look at a study that has plucked DNA out of thin air, and another that points the way towards reversing stress-induced hair loss. There are several bad puns in this episode, please proceed with caution.
Read more from this podcast:
First Evidence of Animal and Human DNA Collection From Air Scientists Uncover Why Chronic Stress Can Lead to Hair Loss
In this roundup episode , the TN team review what happens in the brain when we drink alcohol, find out how to use baboons and grapes to make discoveries about logic processing and unearth the rise-and-fall life story of an ancient Mayan.
Read more from this podcast:
Bones Tell the Story of a Powerful Man's Rise and Fall Behavioral Effects of Alcohol May Be Caused by Breakdown Products Produced in the Brain Study Shows Baboons, Like Humans, Can Solve Abstract Reasoning Tasks
In this episode, the TN team round up some of the best and weirdest science from the last month. We investigate some innovative methods being used to control invasive squirrels, a new technology that could partially restore sight and an innovative memory technique beloved by ancient greeks, memory maestros and TV detectives.
Read more from this podcast:
Gene-Editing Approach To Control the Invasive Gray Squirrel
Retinal Implants Give Artificial Vision to Blind People
Sherlock’s Mind Palace Technique Explains “Memory Athletes'” Incredible Recall
Colombia’s cocaine hippos and the complex impacts of invasive species
In this episode, the team is joined by Ariel Bohman, an application scientist at PerkinElmer. They discuss the different types of microplastics and how they are affecting everything from the food we eat to the corals in our oceans.
In this episode, the TN team round up some of the best and weirdest science from the last month. Hear how elephants and naked mole rats fight cancer, how immunotherapy is getting a microbial boost from poop transplants and why researchers think our sleep patterns might be affected by the phases of the moon.
Read more from this podcast:
The Marsupial Brain Benefits From a Stretchy Shape Investigating How Elephants Evolved To Become Resistant to Cancer Moon Phase Linked to Altered Sleep Duration and Onset Fecal Transplant Boosts Cancer Immunotherapy What Can the Naked Mole-rat Teach Us About Cancer?
In this episode, we explore data integrity – a pillar of good science. We hear from our expert speakers how modern labs can improve their data and, of course, what happens when mistakes or fraud compromises data integrity.
In this episode, the team discuss the omnipresent technology of next-generation sequencing (NGS), which has seen the cost of sequencing a human genome go from $100 million to under $1000 in just two decades. We hear from the European Bioinformatics Institute’s Dr Alex Almeida, who uses NGS techniques to examine the human microbiome. We also investigate the future of NGS and ask what will happen when we have sequenced absolutely everything?
2020 has been a memorable year in science for many reasons, most of them bad. As we finally begin to see some chinks of light at the end of this incredibly long year, the Opinionated Science team look back at some of the biggest stories of the year that were nothing to do with COVID-19, including brain implants, inherited trauma and millions of tons of microplastics.
Read more from this podcast:
Opinionated Science takes a deep dive into Neuralink All-Female Crew Open Eyes to Plastic Pollution Crisis on Round the World Sailing Expedition Infographic: Microplastic Detection What's the Physiological Relevance? A Profile of Oded Rechavi The Epigenetic Memory of Stress Flows Through Generations in Coral Trauma Impacts the Metabolism in Ways That Can Be Inherited
This episode is a COVID-19 podcast with a first-hand focus. Podcast host Ruairi Mackenzie discusses his experience with symptomatic COVID-19. And we also look at the data around COVID-19 risk and age and discuss the emerging problems posed by long COVID.
Read more from this podcast:
CDC Data on COVID-19 Risk by Age The Lasting Misery of Coronavirus Long-Haulers Long Covid: Reviewing the Science and Assessing the Risk
In this episode, the team discuss the metabolome; the billions of tiny molecules that our cells produce every second. Scientific understanding of the metabolome has leapt forward, opening the door to a better understanding of how to treat disease, how to live a healthier lifestyle and even how trauma can be passed down via our metabolites.
Today's episode is brought to you by SCIEX.
Read more from this podcast:
Wellness and Illness From a Precision Quantification Perspective Disease Biomarker Discovery Infographic What's Your (Metabo)Type? Trauma Impacts the Metabolism in Ways That Can Be Inherited
On this episode, the team will discuss how the SARS-CoV-2 virus affects our brain.
Over time, it‘s become clear that in addition to affecting our respiratory system, SARS-CoV-2 infection can also have implications for our brain and nerves. This podcast will untangle the disparate effects involved, covering everything from a subdued sense of smell to serious brain inflammation and damage. Finally, we’ll discuss evidence that a “third wave“ of COVID-19 could target the brain in years to come.
Read more from this podcast:
What Does COVID-19 Do to the Nervous System? What Are the Psychiatric Side Effects of Coronavirus Infection? Neurological Consequences of COVID-19: The “Silent Wave” Sniffin' Sticks for Testing Loss of Smell in COVID-19
In this episode, the team explore cancer immunotherapy, a revolutionary set of treatments that has fundamentally changed cancer care. In exploring how our immune system can be turned against cancer, we follow a trail from ancient China to the cutting edge of medical research and look to a personalized future for immunotherapy. Opinionated Science is Technology Networks’ homemade podcast, where our team of scientists-turned-journalists cut out the chewy jargon and serve up slices of the most fascinating stories from the world of science.
Read more from this podcast:
Treating Cancer – 5 Types of Immunotherapy Key Developments in Cancer Immunotherapy Over the Last Decade Future Cancer Immunotherapy Treatments Could Be Administered by a Pill Cancer and the Immune System New Vaccine Has the Potential To Treat Several Different Cancers
In this episode, the team discuss efforts to let your brain communicate beyond the limits of your head. Whilst much of this research is still in early stages, scientists have shown how individuals can share thoughts through brain wave-based games of Tetris, and tech entrepreneurs have looked to a future where brains can be directly joined with computers. We look into these technologies’ potential to help paralysis patients and the ethical implications of a network of interconnected brains.
Read more from this podcast:
Brain-Computer Interface Lets Three People Play Video Games Using Their Minds Neuralink Progress Update, Summer 2020 Rajesh Rao at TED: Brain Co-Processors-When AI Meets the Brain
In this episode, the team discuss the growing movement for sustainable science. Research has a yeti-sized ecological footprint, and here we follow the tracks from ozone-destroying CFCs and energy-guzzling freezers through to a new future for science that promises to make labs eco-friendly at last.
Read more from this podcast:
Creating an Environmentally Sustainable Lab Infographic Reducing Plastic in the Lab Allison Paradise Interviewed at SfN 2018 Eco-nutrition Label for Labware Could Make Science a Greener Place To Be
In this episode, the team take a deep dive into the world of biohacking. Practitioners of this DIY biology have big goals: making genetic technologies available to all, bypassing government regulation of drugs and (on the fringes of the movement) achieving immortality. Are biohackers visionaries or outsider scientists lost in a fantasy?
Read more from this podcast:
Meet Josiah Zayner, the Biohacker Next Door One Biohacker’s Improbable Bid to Make a DIY Covid-19 Vaccine Biohack the Planet Livestream & Chat Russia’s COVID-19 Vaccine “Approved" Despite No Phase III Data A DIY COVID-19 Vaccine?
In this episode, the TN team discuss three promising vaccine candidates being developed for COVID-19. We take a deep dive into the data from these vaccine trials to try and work out what successes can be celebrated and what unanswered questions still remain.
Read more from this podcast:
Vaccine 1: Moderna's mRNA-1273 Vaccine 2: Oxford University's ChAdOx1 Vaccine 3: CanSino Biologics' Adenovirus Type-5 Antigen vs Antibody – What Are the Differences? A Vaccine 101 Exploring the Drug Development Process Moderna's COVID-19 Vaccine Shows Positive Interim Results in Phase I Trial
Genetic data is moving to the mainstream. Testing, both in the clinic and through direct-to-consumer delivery, is much quicker and cheaper then ever before. But these advances have come with a lot of ethical baggage. In this podcast we discuss how clinical testing can throw up surprise results for doctor and patient, the test data that is helping fight COVID-19 and how one of our own editors responded to receiving her genetic risk scores.
Read more from this podcast:
Exploring the Ethics of Genetic Testing
Exploring the Ethics of Genetic Testing: What Does Consent Mean?
Exploring the Ethics of Genetic Testing: Where Does Duty Begin and End?
Data from Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Tests Used To Create a Drug for Inflammatory Diseases
Chronologically, I'm 23, but Biologically – I'm 26
Large Study Suggests Blood Type O May Be a Protective Factor Against COVID-19
One Year on, Scientists Defend Canada’s Anti-Genetic Discrimination Law
In this episode, the TN team discuss the potential of personalized, precision approaches to change healthcare. We hear how cancer care has been one of the first areas to take advantage of patient-specific data, the risks and rewards of increased access to genomic data and how neuroscience is beginning to explore diseases of the brain at a personal level.
Read more from this podcast:
Chronologically, I'm 23, but Biologically – I'm 26 Personalized Medicine and Cancer Concepts and Promises of Personalized Medicine More Severe Alzheimer's Subtype May Be Caused by Tau Modification Cancer Biomarkers: Powering Precision Medicine The Power of Proteogenomics in Precision Medicine One Year on, Scientists Defend Canada’s Anti-Genetic Discrimination Law Exploring Differences in Drug Response With Dr Namandje N. Bumpus Pharmacogenomics CRISPR, Cell Therapies and Drug Discovery Exploring the Latest in CRISPR and Stem Cell Research
In this episode, we review the evidence surrounding vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), a therapy approved for epilepsy and depression that backers now want to use to treat a host of other conditions, include autoimmune disease and heart failure. How can scientists fill in the gaps in the VNS knowledge base?
Read more from this podcast:
Zanos lab research on anodal block
The history of VNS
VNS as a treatment for depression
Sensate Device
In this episode, the Technology Networks team discuss drug treatments to combat COVID-19. These drugs, like the anti-malarial hydroxychloroquine, have often been repurposed for the task, and evidence for their efficacy remains patchy. Why do researchers turn to these medications and how will the field of drug development be changed by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Read more from this podcast:
Hydroxychloroquine Revived by WHO
How modeling can support drug development
Covid-19 brings drug development to a halt
Tackling Covid-19: ongoing drug development efforts
Flooded by the torrent: the COVID-19 drug pipeline
Global impact on clinical trials
What is a preprint?
Exploring the drug development process
Keep up to date with COVID-19 vaccine development
Updates:
Hydroxychloroquine arm stopped in RECOVERY Trial
In this episode, the Technology Networks team investigate the placebo effect. Why have placebo treatments become more effective at treating patients in the last few decades (but only in the USA) and what do powerful placebos mean for clinical trials?
Read more from this podcast:
The Power of the Placebo Effect
Survey Finds 97% of GPs Prescribe Placebos
Placebo Surgery Trial
The Magnitude of Nocebo Effects in Pain
Placebo Effect Grows in U.S., Thwarting Development of Painkillers
In this episode, the Technology Networks team take a bite into the world of food fraud. We take a look at famous cases of fraud, including scandals involving horse meat, baby formula and expensive wine. We also discover the analytical methods that inspectors can try and use to find fraudulent food before it makes it to your plate.
Read more from this podcast:
Shedding Light on Wine Fraud With NMR Fingerprinting
Whiskey, the Target of Fraud
Infographic: What's in Your Food?
In this episode, the Technology Networks team discuss the community of bacteria that have made our bodies their home: the microbiome. We explore how these bugs can influence our behavior and help us fight disease and whether microbiota-modifying poo pills could become a part of precision medicine in the near future.
Read more from this podcast:
https://www.technologynetworks.com/cancer-research/infographics/the-microbiome-and-cancer-319758
https://www.technologynetworks.com/genomics/infographics/sequencing-the-microbiome-327727
https://www.technologynetworks.com/neuroscience/articles/mouse-moms-microbiota-leads-to-altered-behavior-326252
https://www.technologynetworks.com/tn/articles/microbiome-medicine-takes-center-stage-308055
In this episode, the Technology Networks team discuss the rejuvenated field of psychedelic drugs research and how it might provide solutions for enduring mental health disorders.
Read more from this podcast:
https://www.technologynetworks.com/neuroscience/articles/the-neuroscience-of-psychedelic-drugs-ending-psychedelic-myths-with-professor-david-nutt-328359
https://www.technologynetworks.com/neuroscience/articles/the-neuroscience-of-psychedelic-drugs-your-brain-on-psilocybin-with-frederick-streeter-barrett-328582
https://www.technologynetworks.com/neuroscience/articles/the-neuroscience-of-psychedelic-drugs-octopuses-mdma-and-healing-social-injury-328152
Watch dophins getting high on pufferfish: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msx3BAhIeQg
Our Science Aloud podcasts feature audio narrations of Technology Networks articles.
In this episode of Science Aloud, Technology Networks Science Writer Molly Campbell narrates her article on a human monoclonal antibody that can block the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
Read the article here: https://www.technologynetworks.com/biopharma/news/first-report-of-human-monoclonal-antibody-that-blocks-sars-cov-2-332110
Read more about how preprints differ from peer-reviewed research here: https://www.technologynetworks.com/tn/articles/understanding-preprints-in-scientific-publication-332961
In this episode, the Technology Networks team discuss neurogenomics, the interface between our genes and our brain. Expect a new Opinionated Science every other Friday.
Read more from this podcast:
https://bit.ly/2wGJW0j
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5816070/