Science Society

Nausea is a deeply unpleasant sensation that often proves difficult to control. In this episode, we delve into the world of nausea, gut hormones, and brainstem circuits with Dr. Zhang, whose innovative research provides new insights into how our bodies handle this gut malaise. Drawing upon a detailed cell atlas of the area postrema (a sensory circumventricular organ in the brain that detects blood...

The way network activity is coordinated in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) plays a critical role in the expression of fear. While neuromodulatory systems are known to regulate shifts between behavioral states, the underlying mechanisms largely remain a mystery. Dr. Tasker joins us in this episode to discuss his recent findings which shed light on this enigmatic process. His team used a mouse model...

Cryopreservation has underpinned several scientific advancements, including assisted reproductive technology, stem cell therapies, and species preservation. However, current cryoprotective agents like dimethylsulfoxide and glycerol have notable limitations, including toxicity and inefficacy for numerous cell types and tissues. In this episode, we host Dr. Bryant, who has recently made a groundbrea...

The ability to engineer biosensors for user-specified molecules could significantly advance numerous biological applications. In this episode, we have the privilege of hosting Dr. Whitehead, who has made strides towards a method for rapidly engineering such biosensors. The team used PYR1, a plant abscisic acid (ABA) receptor known for its adaptable ligand-binding pocket and a requirement for ligan...

The multifaceted relationship between crime, policing, and society has long been a subject of controversy, particularly with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms in crime prediction and predictive policing. In this intriguing episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Dr. Ishanu Chattopadhyay, whose work demonstrates how predictive models can do more than just enhance state power—th...

Despite glia playing a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, current methods for imaging these cells in vivo present a myriad of limitations. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Silvia de Santis, who introduces a game-changing, noninvasive method for imaging changes in glia morphology using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Dr. De...

The benefits of exercise in mitigating obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other cardiometabolic diseases are well-established, but the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms remain elusive. Join us in this episode as we explore these mechanisms with Dr. Long, whose research has led to the discovery of N-lactoyl-phenylalanine (Lac-Phe), a metabolite stimulated by exercise that suppresses feeding a...

The value of Magnetoencephalography (MEG) in detecting and localizing focal interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) in epilepsy patients is undisputed. However, current cryogenic MEG systems present limitations, particularly for pediatric patients, due to their rigid helmet design. In this episode, we discuss these challenges and potential solutions with Dr. Feys, whose research focuses on on-sc...

Aggression is a common behavioral response within rival groups, and while psychological and socio-ecological factors have been studied extensively, the neuroscience behind this phenomenon still has much to uncover. Dr. Chester is at the forefront of this exploration, specifically examining the neural correlates of outgroup versus ingroup aggression. In this episode, we delve into Dr. Chester's stu...

Adolescent binge drinking has been identified as a significant risk factor for the development of psychiatric disorders later in life, including alcohol use disorder. One of the key findings of Dr. Pandey's research is the epigenetic reprogramming that occurs at the enhancer region of the immediate-early gene, activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc), known as synaptic activity res...

The Asgard archaea are a globally distributed group of microorganisms with significant links to eukaryotes. Despite their global presence and potential implications for our understanding of evolution, viruses that infect these organisms remain understudied and poorly understood. In this episode, we discuss the fascinating work of Dr. Leao, who has shed light on the nature of these viruses. Using m...

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a diverse neurodegenerative disorder affecting motor neurons and voluntary muscle control. Despite the identified mutations in specific genes defining different ALS subtypes, the potential impact of specific immune features on ALS heterogeneity remains poorly understood. In this episode, we delve into the compelling work of Dr. Campisi, who explores ALS-4, an...

The intricate connection between peripheral metabolism and central nervous system functioning is a topic of growing interest in neuroscience. Phospholipids, a type of lipid crucial for cell membrane structure, play a significant role in synaptic regulation, glutamatergic transmission, and overall cortical excitability within the brain. However, how changes in peripheral metabolism might affect the...

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a multifaceted neurological condition characterized by a variety of clinical and pathophysiological markers. Among the critical components under investigation is the locus coeruleus (LC), a small nucleus in the brainstem whose degeneration has been linked to AD. However, our understanding of the relationship between LC integrity and the stages of AD remains limited. In...

The future of the quantum internet holds the promise of unprecedented power through the sharing of quantum information across networks. Quantum teleportation, a process that enables the reliable transfer of quantum information between distant nodes, even amid highly lossy network connections, is a key component of this innovative technological frontier. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Beuker...

Robotics has made significant strides in recent years, yet the ability for robots to touch and sense with the precision and sensitivity of human touch remains a complex challenge. In this episode, we delve into this challenge with Dr. Lepora, who is working at the forefront of developing biomimetic tactile sensors. Dr. Lepora introduces us to the TacTip, a sensor that holds the potential to provid...

In the field of Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP), understanding the system's sensitivity to initial conditions can unlock a world of possibilities, including effective control mechanisms. Join us in this intriguing episode as we host Dr. Miyoshi and Dr. Sun, who delve into this chaotic yet fascinating world of NWP. The duo discusses the Observing Systems Simulation Experiment (OSSE), a widely re...

We are thrilled to have renowned author Howard Bloom in this captivating episode. He is known for his critically acclaimed book "The Lucifer Principle: A Scientific Expedition into the Forces of History." Howard Bloom challenges the conventional wisdom of evolutionary theory, postulating that all life forms are parts of a global "learning machine" that has evolved since the beginning of time. From...

The fascinating world of Bose–Einstein condensates (BECs), macroscopic coherent matter waves that have greatly influenced quantum science and atomic physics, is the focus of today's episode. We are delighted to have Dr. Chen and his team, who share their groundbreaking work on continuous Bose–Einstein condensation. BECs have a crucial role in quantum simulation and sensing, underlying atom interfe...

In this insightful episode, we sit down with renowned scientist Dr. Spontak, whose pioneering work has aimed at combating the worldwide threat of drug-resistant microbes, a threat that intensifies the risk of deadly hospital-acquired infections. Dr. Spontak shares his research about the development of charged multiblock polymers with a selectively sulfonated midblock. Dr. Spontak's groundbreaking...

In this intriguing episode, we welcome Dr. Maldonado, who takes us on a journey into the realm of food addiction, its relation to obesity and other eating disorders, and the largely unknown mechanisms driving these behaviors. Dr. Maldonado's groundbreaking research delves into the role of microRNA (miRNA) expression in food addiction. We discuss the striking similarities found between miRNA signat...

In this compelling episode, we're joined by Dr. Birner, who leads us into the fascinating world of atmospheric science. We explore the little-known issue of the increasing concentration of helium in our atmosphere and the potential implications this has on our understanding of fossil fuel consumption and our planet's atmosphere. Dr. Birner reveals the surprising findings of his research: a clear b...

In this enlightening episode, we're joined by Dr. Santos, a scientist at the forefront of finding innovative solutions to the global health crisis posed by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. He shares his fascinating research on the use of visible light-activated synthetic molecular machines (MMs) as a unique and effective antibacterial therapy. Dr. Santos's work shows that these MMs can kill a broad...

In this exciting episode, we're joined by Dr. Congreve, who introduces us to a game-changing technology in the field of three-dimensional (3D) printing. Stereolithography, one of the most successful techniques in 3D printing, has its limitations due to the linear absorption of light. This factor restricts both the choice of resin and the range of shapes that can be produced. In order to overcome t...

In this enlightening episode, we are joined by Dr. Bennett, who takes us through his ground-breaking research on the genetic basis of temporal summation of pain, or "wind-up". This process, where the repeated application of noxious stimuli leads to progressively increased pain perception, plays a pivotal role in various clinical pain disorders. Dr. Bennett's team has utilized a Genome-Wide Associa...