Episode 29: Puppies! And Optogenetic Sight Restoration

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

Episode 28: The Futuristic Lab

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.

Episode 27:Cannabis Edibles: Getting the Munchies for Science

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. 

Episode 26: Organoids: How to grow your own brain

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.

Episode 25: AirDNA and Reversing Hair Loss in Shaved Mice

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

Episode 24: Mayan Bones, Boozy Brains and Baboon Logic

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

Episode 23: Mind Palaces, Artificial Sight and Invading Squirrels

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 

Episode 22: Microplastics Nano-sized Waste Causing Macro-sized Problem

Episode 21: The Roundup – Moon Phases, Anti-Cancer Elephants and Poop Infusions

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?

Episode 20: How Data Integrity Can Stop You Getting Fined $500 Million