Shows
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastRisk and Reward in Alzheimer's disease Alzheimer's Disease Risk and Reward When they hear about my work as a neurodegeneration researcher, people always ask me about Alzheimer's disease risk factors. What really causes Alzheimer's disease? Plaque and tangle buildup The truth is there's no one secret to staving off dementia, other than living your best life. This doesn't mean following every impulse, but rather thinking clearly about your habits and consciously making those good habits easier to access. Better lucky than good, but in this case it helps to be both. The kicker is th...
2023-12-1347 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastDeep Brain Degeneration in Alzheimer's Disease with Dr. Lea Grinberg & Research TeamDeep Brain Degeneration in Alzheimer's Disease with Dr. Lea Grinberg & Research Team Losing Control from the Locus Coeruleus, starring Jonathan Chen, Felipe Pereira, and Ian Oh This episode kicks off a series all about my recent work in neurodegenerative disease, with a an emphasis on Alzheimer's disease, a devastating and complex dementia and a major focus of my (Dr. Connor Wander's) dissertation at UNC Chapel Hill. And where better to start than where the first major pathological changes of tau, a disordered protein that goes dysfunctional in the brain, begins to accumulate and...
2023-05-302h 05
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastSeason 2 Episode 1: Neural Networks on NoradrenalineThis episode is about neural networks on noradrenaline- the key neuromodulator known to flip almost every switch in the brain! Drs. Esteban Oryarzabal and Connor Wander break down how noradrenaline, or norepinephrine help regulate brain states useful for attention and task-switching. The studies here cover a whole new way to interpret brain imaging studies, which could have huge implications for neuroscience everywhere! Youtube link: https://youtu.be/NyMQhw5NpG4 Please note that this episode is special- it's a preview from research that hasn't fully undergone peer review. This means that the findings discussed are still hig...
2022-01-181h 20
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp56- Unlocking Genetic Regulation VIDEO WITH VISUAL AIDS ON YOUTUBE!! How did you get so put together? DNA is the blueprint, but it doesn't determine everything. DNA gets turned into RNA, and then finally into proteins that help build your body and brain. But there are SO many steps in that process that affect the final product- you. The sum of these steps is a process called genetic regulation. Genetic regulation makes sure that not all of our genes are expressed and turned into protein at the same time and same place- that would be a mess! ...
2020-04-0350 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp55- Fetal Vulnerability to Cannabis and AlcoholMarijuana and other cannabis products are becoming increasingly available across the country, and while compounds like CBD have been shown to be safe and even helpful in adults, the side effects of cannabis products are relatively unknown when it comes to the developing fetus. We've known that alcohol causes birth defects for over 40 years, causing a condition called Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and the greater spectrum of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). But alcohol isn't the only commonly used substance to cause birth defects. Dr. Parnell's lab and others shows that CBD and THC, the two most well...
2020-03-1253 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastE54- Supermassive Black Holes in Dwarf Galaxies This week's episode is about the big things in life- specifically, supermassive black holes in dwarf galaxies! Connor Wander sits down with Mugdha Polimera from UNC to talk about her work studying supermassive black holes and how their frequency in dwarf (smaller) galaxies can teach us about the formation of the universe. She quite literally looks back in time! Mugdha explains how she studies such huge elements so far away, what her studies could mean for our understanding of the universe, reviews her journey to be an astrophysicist, comments on some popular science myths, and mor...
2020-02-181h 11
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp 53 - How Bacteria Survive the Immune SystemThis episode is all about bad bugs. Specifically, a flesh-eating bacteria strain called Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus). S. aureus is a very common bacteria that's best known for becoming resistant to antibiotics, and becoming MRSA. Bacteria and the immune system are always at war with each other. Antibiotics can give the body the edge in this battle, but common resistance is making this much harder in hospitals and homes across the world. Bacteria survive these antibiotics and the immune system is left to clean up the mess. Currently, S. aureus is a major cause of death for bacterial infections. ...
2020-01-0539 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp 52 - Diabetes and Placental Epigenetics This weeks episode combines several topics you may have heard of, but never thought about in the same context! Diabetes and epigenetics are two well-researched topics, but not in the context of fetal development. During pregnancy, the placenta is the highway that connects a mother and fetus, so when epigenetics act on the placenta, they could have huge effects on development of the fetus and/or the mother. We break it down straight from a scientist in this episode with Laetitia Myeyruix from UNC's School of Global Public Health, in the Department of Nutrition. I learne...
2019-12-0151 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 51 – New Cancer Therapies & Targeting Cancer Biology Join Lebaron (Lee) Agostini and Connor Wander in our FIRST VIDEO episode! This episode is all about Cancer Biology. Lee studies experimental cancer therapies for pancreatic cancer. New cancer therapies called combination or synergystic cancer therapies use multiple drug types to shut down, corner, and eliminate cancer cells in the body. The full video version of this episode is available on Nov 5th at 7PM EST ! Head on over to our YouTube Channel and check it out there! Also streaming (audio only) on all the usual platforms. Further information
2019-11-051h 30
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp.50 - Alzheimer's disease FAQWhat is Alzheimer's disease? Who can get Alzheimer's, and how does the disease progress? Maya Gostyla and Connor Wander break down the state of Alzheimer's disease treatments, risk factors, and potential breakthroughs in the field. Related Episodes If you like this episode, we have tons of podcasts on Alzheimer's disease! You can hear more about Maya and her research story in this episode. Further Reading about Alzheimer's disease Here's a great review from the experts on where Alzheimer's research and therapies are today. For...
2019-10-021h 08
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 49 - Alzheimer's disease overview with Konner Blunt This week's episode is with the host of The Blunt Report podcast: Konner Blunt. Connor and Konner talked about ALzheimer's disease, the experience of podcasting, science communication, and Jiu Jitsu among other things. Check out The Blunt Report here: http://www.thebluntreport.com/ More about Alzheimer's disease: https://www.straightfromascientist.com/alzheimers-disease/
2019-09-081h 48
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 48- Are Herbal Supplements Effective? Using Modern Science to Investigate Ancient Medicines with Tayler Catherine Tayler is a PhD candidate in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia. Her research focuses on the pharmacology and toxicology of supposed 'fertility-boosting' herbal supplements on sperm cells, using flow cytometry to elucidate their effects at a cellular level. She is also a science communicator in her spare time, and posts regular pharmacology-based series online. You can find her on Instagram at @taylercatherine Link to a good general review on oxidative stress: https://www.nature.com/articles/35041687 Link to a review of herbal medicine safety issues...
2019-06-1551 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 47- Genetic Big data for Personalized Medicine with Sean JackewiczSean Jackewicz is a research student at the University of Georgia who is studying for his degree in Genetics, with the goal of being a medical doctor. Sean's research in the lab has focused on cancer development and cancer therapies, while his work outside of the lab focuses on the role of genomics in people's lives. Sean is currently leading the development of a clinical genotyping tool that he hopes will give health practitioners the ability to personalize treatment plans for patients like never before. Sean is also passionate about communicating the upcoming change genetic technology will cause throughout...
2019-06-1551 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 46- Stimulate Your Brain for Better Mental Health Alzheimer's disease is a terrifying neurodegenerative disorder characterized by impaired memory, cognitive deficits, and neuronal loss. With few treatments and no cure after decades of research, scientists are starting to think outside the box for better ways to ward off Alzheimer's disease. In this episode, we discuss the links between mental health and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's, and how common strategies for better mental health have great promise for Alzheimer's disease treatment. In general, the best protective strategies for Alzheimer's disease are things that improve mental health, such as trying new things and staying active.
2019-05-3141 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 45: Applications and Limitations of GWAS with Dr. Liz Tunbridge Genome-wide association studies, or GWAS, are very helpful in telling researchers where to focus their attention. They point out genetic linkers that have the potential to be used as medicines or diagnostics. GWAS identify genes or clusters of genes associated with greater risk for diseases and disorders. But GWAS aren't a silver bullet... Dr. Liz Tunbridge studies genetic risk factors for various psychiatric disorders. She has noted that while GWAS are very useful, they have many limitations, and the interpretations of such studies can be very complicated. Listen in...
2019-04-2123 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp.44: Sex Differences in Alzheimer's Disease with Dr. Roberta Diaz Brinton and Connor Wander Women are almost twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's disease as men. However, this is NOT because they live longer. When we look into the aging brain, males and females experience different timelines. The molecular underpinnings of these sex differences could make a huge impact on our understanding of Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Roberta Diaz Brinton is spearheading research into sex differences in Alzheimer's disease. She works to discover how to protect the aging female brain from these increased risk factors. This episode features another throwback recorded in San Diego, CA, where Connor Wander...
2019-04-0928 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 43: Down Syndrome and Alzhiemer's Disease with Dr. Elizabeth Head and Connor Wander This week's episode features another throwback recorded in San Diego, CA, where Connor Wander attended the BrightFocus Alzheimer's Disease Fast Track conference, followed by the Society for Neuroscience annual meeting. We talked with Dr. Elizabeth Head, who studies the link between Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's disease with the hopes of improving lives for both patient classes. Listen to hear about this super interesting and very promising work! About Dr. Elizabeth Head Dr. Elizabeth Head has recently moved from the University of Kentucky to the University of California...
2019-03-2713 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 42: Neuronal Apoptosis- The Cautious and the Willing with Dr. Mohanish Deskmukh and Connor Wander This episode is all about neuronal apoptosis. In Dr. Mohanish Deshmukh's eyes, some cells are willing to undergo apoptosis, while others are very cautious. Understanding these differences could be the key to understanding, treating, or curing diseases that haunt us in modern times. Research in Dr. Deshmukh's lab at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, focuses on pathways for neuronal apoptosis and the ways that survival and death work in different cells. Apoptosis is programmed cell death. In apoptosis, cells commit "suicide" quietly to minimize inflammation and damage to their neighbors. Apoptosis is a...
2019-02-1050 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 41: Alzheimer's Disease Research roundtable with Drs. Cynthia Ann Lemere, Charles Glabe, and Lea T. GrinbergThis week's episode marks the 2nd of a series focused on Alzheimer's disease (AD) research. All episodes were recorded in San Diego, CA, where Connor Wander attended the BrightFocus Alzheimer's Disease Fast Track conference, followed by the Society for Neuroscience annual meeting. The Society for Neuroscience (SfN) is a well-known conference, drawing 28 thousand people annually. In contrast, AD Fast Track is a much smaller conference put on by BrightFocus, a foundation built to support AD and glaucoma research and awareness. Many of the speakers at the event were directly supported by BrightFocus (Lamb, Brinton, Head, Grinberg).
2018-12-2057 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 40: Roundtable on the Importance of Science Communication with Dan and Gabe from TheSciCommunityTo honor our recent collaboration with TheSciCommunity, we sat down with the founders Dan and Gabe and discussed the importance of science communication. Dan and Gabe share their values and mission to spread science in a transparent and direct way. Also in this episode, we discuss our pathways into science, how to improve the dialogue between scientists and the public, and fake news. We also talk about the Skype A Scientist program that connects scientists with classrooms around the world. Finally, we answer the question: Is scicomm enough? About Dan Dan is a...
2018-12-1356 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 39: Alzheimer's Disease Research Part I with Drs. Diane Bovenkamp, Frank LaFerla, and Bruce LambThis week's episode marks the 1st of a series focused on Alzheimer's disease (AD) research. All episodes were recorded in San Diego, CA, where Connor Wander attended the BrightFocus Alzheimer's Disease Fast Track conference, followed by the Society for Neuroscience annual meeting. The Society for Neuroscience (SfN) is a well-known conference, drawing 28 thousand people annually. In contrast, AD Fast Track is a much smaller conference put on by BrightFocus, a foundation built to support AD and glaucoma research and awareness. Many of the speakers at the event were directly supported by BrightFocus (Lamb, Brinton, Head, Grinberg).
2018-11-271h 00
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 38: Wood Thrushes and Canadian Wildlife Ecology with Alex IsraelFor Part Two in our wildlife ecology series, we talked with Alexandra Israel, a Master's student at York University. As a field biologist, Alex works long days in Canada researching species like the Wood Thrush and the worrying decline of songbird populations. So listen in to hear about her experience with field work, as well as issues such as nest predation and bird parasites that hurt songbird populations. Learn about small things people can do to help songbird populations, including keeping domestic cats indoors and using stickers to deter bird from flying into windows. We also talk abou...
2018-11-1428 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 37: Conservation and Rainforest Ecology with Stephanie MartinThis week we kick off part one of a two part series on conservation and ecology. We talked to Stephanie Martin, a Tropical Rainforest Ecologist. So listen in to hear about Stephanie's field research in rainforests around the world, as well as what individuals can do to aid in conservation efforts. Stephanie works to help preserve endemic species, plants and animals that exist only in one geographic region. Also, we talk about the ethics of ethnobotany and a recent World Wildlife Fund study on extinction levels. About Stephanie Stephanie Martin is a Tropical Forest Ecologist, a sc...
2018-11-0637 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 36: Behavioral Nutrition and Weight Management with Rachel PaulFor this episode, we talked to Dr. Rachel Paul, also known as The College Nutritionist, about her work in behavioral nutrition. Listen in to hear about practical strategies Rachel uses with her clients to manage weight effectively. Rachel dispels some myths and misconceptions about healthy eating and weight management. We also talk about different types of diets and whether or not current scientific research recommends them. For example, we cover ketogenic diets, fasting, and the potential downfalls of cutting out whole food groups. This topic remains especially important in regard to the obesity epidemic in the United States. Listen to learn...
2018-10-1736 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 35: Meta Roundtable with Learning With Lowell and Connor WanderAnother special episode for the SFS podcast this week: a collaborative show between Lowell Thompson, the host of the Learning with Lowell Podcast, and Connor from Straight from a Scientist. Listen in to hear a relaxed discussion about the motivations behind and the ups and downs of podcasting. We also talk about our backgrounds, personal histories and interests, and cool things planned for both the Learning with Lowell and Straight from a Scientist Podcasts! About Lowell After being in the ICU and the ER for a few years, struggling to survive, Lowell slowly got better. And after paying off the n...
2018-10-151h 28
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 34: Lab to Life 1- Dr. Lisa Crose from Camargo Pharmaceutical Services This episode is part of a new series put on by UNC Pharmacology. Lab to Life exposes students, staff, and faculty to the journey of alumni as they navigate their career post-PhD. It's inspirational, informative, and a great guide for anyone looking for alternate careers in science. Special thanks to Nicole Arnold at UNC Pharmacology for letting us record, and of course to Lisa for coming to talk to us! About Lisa Lisa is a Scientific and Regulatory Specialist at Camargo Pharmaceutical Services, a full-service drug development consulting company that specializes in the 505(b...
2018-10-101h 00
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 33: Brain Imaging of Chronic Pain with Anton Rogachov and Connor WanderThis week we talked with Anton Rogachov, a 5th year PhD student in Dr. Karen Davis's Lab at the University of Toronto. The Davis Lab focuses on using brain imaging like resting-state fMRI to understand functional abnormalities in the brains of chronic pain patients. The majority of Dr. Davis's work looks at the functional communication between different brain regions and networks in order to understand how these communications break down in chronic pain. In comparison, Anton's research looks at regional brain oscillation and fluctuations an alternative approach to studying mechanistic brain function. Listen in to hear us disc...
2018-09-0247 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 32: Search and Destroy in HIV Therapy Part II - with Aaron Devanathan and Connor WanderIn our second interview with Aaron Devanathan, a PhD student in the Kashuba Lab at UNC Pharmacy, we dive deeper into the strategies researchers use on the cutting edge of HIV research, including the technical challenges, tools, and model systems that make the science possible. We cover past, present, and future HIV therapies and also explore the innate immune system in aging and within the context of AIDS. Next, Aaron discusses his recent experience in his clinical rotation at UNC hospitals, and his thoughts on being both a PharmD vs a Pharmacy PhD student. About Aaron ...
2018-08-201h 15
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 31: Healing the gut: Practical strategies of microbiome enhancement with Miguel MateasToday, back by popular demand is Miguel Mateas, a Clinical Nutritional Neuroscientist who studies how the microbiota affects the brain. Diversity and abundance in gut microbiota leads to a healthy and balanced system, called eubiosis. But when that balance is lost, the gut's ability to absorb nutrients suffers, which is called dysbiosis. We discuss his new review article, which covers markers of gut health which can be used to develop personalized treatment for microbiome and neurological issues, as dysbiosis in the gut can increase the risk of mental disorders. Listen in to learn about practical strategies to fix d...
2018-08-0554 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 30: Breaking the Vicious Cycle of Pain and Addiction with Waylin YuConnor Wander talked to Waylin Yu about his research in the overlap of pain, negative emotion, and addiction. Waylin studies the fundamental roles of neurons in different areas of the brain, such as the amygdala, that may be responsible for these reactions, both independently and in relation to each other. This includes chronic pain, anxiety, and alcohol and drug dependence, looking at activity in dopamine pathways, which play a role in reward-motivated behavior, and GABA, an important inhibitory neurotransmitter. Hyperalgesia is an increased sensitivity to pain that can be caused by damage to neurons. Nociception is the respo...
2018-07-1955 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 29: Fasting, Keto, and Injuries with Exercise Physiologist Alyssa OlenickWe talked to Alyssa Olenick, also known as Little Lyss Fitness for her online fitness presence and training programs, about her research in metabolic flexibility and nutrition strategies. Listen in to hear about proper health, fitness, and the science behind popular diet plans such as the Ketogenic diet, a high-fat, low-carb diet sometimes used to treat severe epilepsy in children, and Intermittent Fasting, which uses periods of fasting and non-fasting to control caloric intake. About Alyssa Alyssa Olenick, M.S. is a graduate student currently pursuing her PhD in Exercise Physiology. Her lifelong passion for fitne...
2018-07-0452 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 28: Cognitive Rehab using Virtual Reality with Faviola DadisWe spoke with Faviola Dadis, the CEO of NeuroReality who is using the company to fund her PhD research. NeuroReality specializes in the development of medical software using VR in order to create an immersive and fun gamified neurorehabilitation program for individuals who experience cognitive deficits following a stroke (and eventually for other clinical populations). Using virtual reality and gamification, Faviola's main objective is to help train cognitive tasks such as memory, attention, and processing speed by playing games. Learn more on the NeuroReality website (currently under development) About Faviola Faviola Dadis comes fro...
2018-07-0320 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 27: Free and Open Science: Reworking peer review and null results with Sander van BreeScience isn't perfect and one of it's biggest problems revolves around the publishing process, by which scientists share their findings with the public after peer review. However, this sharing can be quite limited in both what is shared and who gets to see it. Open access science, shared publicly, can enhance the discovery process, but implementing open access can be difficult. We talk about new systems that could accommodate open access publishing, revamped peer review, and even the publishing of null results. Null results in science are often shelved for decades, unseen by those who could use the information to a...
2018-06-181h 03
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 26: Traumatic brain injury and CTE Roundtable with Connor and JulianChronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI). CTE is mainly seen in athletes who participate in contact sports such as football, but it also spans to military personnel. In this roundtable episode, we discuss where the latest research stands on this topic as well as explore the clinical and pathological manifestation of the disease. More Information Check out these papers to learn more about chronic traumatic encephalopathy CTE Literature Review CTE Spectrum Any other questions? Let...
2018-06-1047 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 25: Straight from a Scientist Update Episode Hey SFS listeners! Julian and Connor met up online to discuss the past, present, and future of SFS. Thanks for sticking with the podcast as we learn more about podcasting and science communication in general. We've got a lot in the works for the summer, and are excited to bring you loads of new content! We must ask a favor with this new push to polish SFS! Itunes reviews are one of the best ways to help new podcasts find new audiences. Here's a quick rundown of how to post an Itunes review: Open up t...
2018-06-0411 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 24: Search and Destroy in HIV Therapy with Aaron DevanathanOur final ComSciCon interview is with Aaron Devanathan. Aaron studies HIV infection and elimination in the Department of Pharmacy at UNC Chapel Hill in the Angela Kashuba Lab. HIV, or Human Immuno-deficiency Virus, is the virus that causes AIDS, or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. While modern medicine has done wonders in treating the symptoms of an HIV infection, current drugs fail to eliminate the virus entirely. This is because HIV is dispersed widely throughout the body. Aaron studies how to hunt down HIV and destroy it, ultimately working towards an HIV cure. More Information Learn m...
2018-05-1935 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 23: The Role of Apoptosis with Georgia SmithWe had the chance to talk with Georgia Atkin-Smith about different types of cell death, autoimmune disorders, and the optimistic future of the field. Georgia is a final year PhD student in Biochemistry and Immunology at the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, Melbourne, Australia. Her PhD project focuses on a type of cell death termed apoptosis and the consequence of this process in disease. Specifically, Georgia's research is aimed to understand the role of apoptotic fragments, known as apoptotic bodies, derived from white blood cells during influenza A virus infection. Connect with Georgia on I...
2018-05-0826 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 22: Nanotechnology with Claudia Alarcón LópezWe had the opportunity to speak with Claudia Alarcón López, better known as @the.nanotechgirl. She is a Mexican INCQ (Ingeniero En Nanotecnología Y Ciencias Químicas) student who has the goal of spreading knowledge of science through Instagram, with a special focus on nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is manipulation of matter on an atomic, molecular, and supramolecular scale which can be applied in all aspects of life and interdisciplinary sciences. About Claudia Claudia is studying engineering in nanotechnology and chemical sciences at ITESM in Mexico. She has a lot of activities and interests other than sc...
2018-05-0327 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 21: Smart Textiles and Flexible Electronics with Ashish KapoorThe next installment of the ComSciCon podcast blitz stars Ashish Kapoor! We discuss flexible electronics and smart textiles. These game-changing technologies are already showing up in stores and threaten to completely overhaul how we use and think about clothing. Smart textiles can be used in the military, medical emergencies, or just everyday use. We talk about other practical applications of smart textiles and flexible electronics, and chat a bit about the barriers this technology will face before widespread adoption. Ashish is also a radio host, and is currently developing his own science podcast. Stay tuned for the link! About Ashish
2018-04-2928 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 20: Biomedical Engineering and Science Education with Stephanie TeeterOur second ComSciCon Triangle interview was with Stephanie Teeter from NC State. Stephanie is a technician for two biomedical engineering labs, and she is working towards her PhD in Science Education. We discuss practical applications of biomedical engineering, like prosthetics, and the challenges with Science Education in academia. Follow Stephanie on Twitter. Read more on the lab webpages: Orthopaedic Mechanobiology Lab Translational Orthopaedic Research Lab This episode was recorded at ComSciCon Triangle, the convention for science communicators in Research Triangle Park in North Carolina. ComSciCon-Triangle is a conference organized by graduate students, for graduate students, focused on developing science communication skills. S...
2018-04-2122 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 19: Bluebirders vs House Sparrows with Suzanne HartleyWe got the chance to sit down with Suzanne Hartley, a graduate student at North Carolina State University. Suzanne researches how to help Bluebirds in their surprisingly violent turf war with House Sparrows, and how we can use this war to learn about environmental toxins like pesticides or other chemicals. Bluebirds are a beautiful, native species in North America, but they are constantly harassed by House Sparrows, an invasive species from Europe. So listen in to learn about Bluebird defenders, called Bluebirders, and what they are doing change the balance. Read below to learn more about the study or...
2018-04-1416 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 18: Science Policy and Activism with Dr. Frances Colón Straight from a Scientist headed south for Spring Break and got a chance to speak with Dr. Frances Colón. Dr. Colón served as science adviser to the State Department under the Obama administration. We discuss the responsibility scientists have to communicate their findings directly to the public, and how scientists can enact change by putting pressure on civic leaders. Connect with Dr. Colón on LinkedIn Follow Dr. Colón on Twitter Episode Interviewer: Connor Wander Any other questions? Let us know! We app...
2018-04-0155 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 17: Addiction and Sex differences in the Brain with Jean RiveraJean Rivera completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Puerto Rico (UPRM) majoring in Chemistry, with minors in Psychology and Biology. His undergraduate research focused primarily on explosives and forensic chemistry in the laboratories of Dr. Samuel Hernandez and Dr. Carmen Vega. He then pursued a 2-year research internship at Tufts Medical School as an NIH-PREP scholar in the Neuroscience Program. There, he studied the downstream mechanisms of BDNF on the control of appetite and affective states in the laboratory of Dr. Maribel Rios. Jean is now a second-year graduate student at Weill Cornell in the lab...
2018-03-2742 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 16: Marine Biology and Climate Change with Dr. Jordan Grigor The SSMV Aquarium is totally funded by donations, which pay for food, animals, and maintenance. If you are interested in supporting these efforts to teach Nashville high school kids marine biology, please visit the gofundme page. Last week, we got the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Jordan Grigor, a postdoc working at the School for Science and Math at Vanderbilt (SSMV). He is both an educator and marine biology scientist. We cover the uncertain future of keystone species like plankton in the arctic, and discuss the unique science education program at the SSMV that helps kids...
2018-03-1257 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 15: Promising New Treatments for Parkinson Disease with Irene GonzalezToday we sit down and talk with Irene Gonzalez about Parkinson Disease. Irene is a Master student who is currently studying neurodegenerative diseases. In this podcast, we cover the molecular pathology of Parkinson as well as discuss some promising new treatments. Connect with Irene on Instagram Any other questions? Let us know! We appreciate your feedback. You can now support the podcast at https://www.patreon.com/sfspodcast. Many thanks to our past and present supporters! Thanks to Plant Warrior for their support. Use discount code SFS10 at checkout for 10% of...
2018-03-0134 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 14: The Immune System and Fat Metabolism with Ricky BarretThis week we sit down with Ricky Barrett, a PhD candidate at the University of Central Florida (UCF). Ricky researches the poorly understood role of immune cells like macrophages in fat metabolism. The immune system isn't just for protecting against infections- it is a key regulator of metabolism and is often overlooked! We discuss all of this in the context of atherosclerosis, which can cause chest pain, heart attacks or even stroke! You can find Ricky on social media @rickbarr21 on instagram, or u/rickbarr21 on reddit. He is active in most immunology subreddits! Check out...
2018-02-2152 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 13: Amyloid Beta: Villain, or Hero in Alzheimer's Disease?Alzheimer's disease is the most predominant neurodegenerative disorder of our time, and is an imminent health crisis in countries like the United States, where 15 million people are expected to suffer from the disease by 2050. Alzheimer's disease is an age-related disorder that causes brain shrinkage, memory loss, and eventually, death. This week we discuss major paradigm shifts in Alzheimer's disease research. For decades, Alzheimer's disease researchers have argued over what causes the disease. Some suspected clumps of tau protein to be the main culprit in Alzheimer's, while others maligned amyloid beta as the villain. Now, the field is...
2018-02-1549 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 12: The Neuroscience of Consciousness & Free Will with Daniel TokerToday we spoke with Neuroscientist Daniel Toker about theories of consciousness and how mathematical models can be used to study the brain. We get philosophical on the scientific basis of consciousness as well as cover the complex concept of free will. Daniel Toker is a neuroscience PhD student at the University of California, Berkeley who did his undergrad in philosophy and neuroscience at Princeton University. He specializes in computational and cognitive neuroscience. Daniel researches information theory and graph theory to investigate what the brain is doing when it's conscious, and what changes when it's not. ...
2018-02-1343 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 11: Alzheimers, Axons, and Fruit Flies with Maya GosztylaThis interview podcast features Maya Gosztyla, an undergraduate researcher at THE Ohio State University. Maya researches the genetics of axon guidance, or brain wiring in fruit flies, and runs her own Alzheimer's Disease learning blog called AlzScience. We discuss her research, how she balances work with free time, and how she worked her way into her first research lab without hands-on experience. Here's a great post by Maya on AlzScience describing Alzheimer's Disease Here are her latest posts. Highly recommend for those looking to learn more about Alzheimer's Disease! @AlzScience Facebook...
2018-02-1132 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 10: How does food affect our brain? Nutritional Neuroscience with Miguel MateasToday we interview Miguel Mateas about the intriguing field of nutritional neuroscience: how does the food we eat affect our brain function. About Miguel Miguel Toribio-Mateas is a nutrition practitioner (BSc Hons Nutritional Medicine) and clinical neuroscientist (MSc) living in the UK and working in London. Miguel got a Santander Bank Scholarship for doctoral research in 2016 and is currently a doctoral candidate at Middlesex University investigating the impact of nutrition in brain health, with a particular focus on the relationship between gut microbes and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). You can find Miguel on Twitter, In...
2018-02-0557 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 9: Should I be worried about Zika? Flaviviruses with MafaldaThis interview stars Mafalda Farelo, a cellular biologist currently doing her PhD on faviviruses, specifically the Zika virus. We talk about the famous Zika scare from last year, its effect on Neurogenesis and why pregnant women need to be careful. We also discuss other falviviruses such as dengue and west nile. Lastly we talk about the current research and how scientists are attempting to combat the spreading of these viruses. Contact Mafalda on instagram: @thelabnotebook or by email at mafaldaarrabida@gmail.com Further reading on Zika and Neurogenesis https://www...
2018-02-0230 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 8: Cognitive Benefits and Practical Strategies of Language LearningEpisode 8: Cognitive Benefits and Practical Strategies of Language Learning Julian interviews JP, a polyglot and language professor, about practical language learning strategies as well as the cognitive benefits of learning a second (and eventually third) language. They discuss their personal journeys and experiences while explaining some of the neuroscience behind language learning. Finally they offer practical advice on how to get started and how to personalize an individual language learning program. Language learning tools discussed in this episode https://ankiweb.net/about https://www.duolingo.com/ h...
2018-01-2849 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 7: Adrenaline and Nicotine- The Autonomic Nervous SystemConnor and Julian break down the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). They discuss what it means to them, and how the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems jockey for control of our bodies in everyday life situations. We mention a few drugs of interest, as well as practical strategies and activities for controlling each side of the ANS. Check out the companion infographic for a more detailed explanation of the ANS! Any other questions? Let us know! We appreciate your feedback. You can now support the podcast at https://www.patreon.com/sfspod...
2018-01-2228 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 6: Inflammation RoundtableWhat is inflammation? Is it all bad? Why is it linked to virtually all chronic diseases? Answers and practical strategies for striking the right balance with inflammation in everyday life on SFS Episode 6: Inflammation Roundtable In this podcast: Heba Al Housseiny Julian Dallmeier Connor Wander Any other questions? Let us know! We appreciate your feedback. You can now support the podcast at https://www.patreon.com/sfspodcast. Many thanks to our past and present supporters! Thanks to Plant Warrior for their support. Use discount code...
2018-01-1547 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 5: Intro to the TeamThis podcast is a quick introduction to how the Straight from a Scientist team met each other and how our paths led into the science field. We called it episode 0, but our hosting provider doesn't like that, so it's 5 now. Any other questions? Let us know! We appreciate your feedback. You can now support the podcast at https://www.patreon.com/sfspodcast. Many thanks to our past and present supporters! Thanks to Plant Warrior for their support. Use discount code SFS10 at checkout for 10% off your purchase of plant-based protein.
2018-01-0936 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 4: Serotonin and Adult Neurogenesis | Straight from a Scientist | InterviewsIn this podcast, Connor Wander interviews Andrew Crowther, a fellow graduate student in the Song Lab at UNC Chapel Hill and a member of the Neuroscience curriculum. We cover Andrew's research focus: serotonin's effect on adult neurogenesis. We also speculate a bit on other mechanisms of regulation of neurogenesis, and various functions of the hippocampus. Adult Neurogenesis Adult neurogenesis is the birth and development of new neurons in the developed brain. This process occurs well into adulthood and helps us form new memories and adapt to new environments. Recently, exercise has been shown to increase ad...
2017-12-2739 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 3: Microbiome | Roundtable | Straight from a Scientist | Review | BreakdownConnor and Julian sit down for the first Roundtable episode of the podcast on the microbiome. We break down the basics and chat a bit about the future of the field and it's broader implications. Within this podcast we will explain what the microbiome is, and why it is such a growing and important area of research. Here is a guide on how to obtain a kombucha scoby. And another guide on how to make your own kombucha Lebanese Laban Ayran (with garlic) recipe here Any other questions? Let us k...
2017-12-271h 06
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 2: Pathways into Science and GABA in Alzheimer's DiseaseJake Knight sits down with Connor Wander, a graduate student at UNC Chapel Hill's pharmacology program, and a co-founder of the Straight from a Scientist Podcast. In this interview we delve into Connor's inspiration and path into science as a career. We also get a brief summary of his research, which studies GABAergic neural networks in Alzheimer's Disease. Interviewee: Connor Wander (SFS member) SFS interviewer: Jake Knight Any other questions? Let us know! We appreciate your feedback. You can now support the podcast at https://www.patreon.com/sfspodcast. Many th...
2017-12-2758 min
Straight from a Scientist Medical Research Education and Discussion PodcastEp. 1: Genetic Testing and Diagnostics | Interviews | Straight from a Scientist |In this podcast we interview Nidal Sarsour, a longtime friend of Connor Wander and a fellow Virginia Tech alumn. Nidal is currently working at a genetic diagnostics company and is working on his Master's Degree in Bioinformatics at Johns Hopkins University. This podcast is currently in draft format, and is missing the companion pieces where we plan to explain the topics discussed, like DNA, epigenetics, cancer genes, and computational biology. SFS members: Julian Dallmeier, Connor Wander Any other questions? Let us know! We appreciate your feedback. You can now support...
2017-12-2729 min