Opinionated Science

Opinionated Science Episode 36: The Neuroscience of Creativity

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

Opinionated Science: The Dish on Cell Culturing

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.

Episode 35: Mighty Microbes Battle Cancer and Protect the Environment

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

Opinionated Science: Discovering the Secrets of Single Cell Sequencing

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.

Episode 34: Genetics of Endometriosis, the Birthing Brain and Cancer Vaccines

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

Episode 33: Fish on Meth and a Prize-Winning Prosthesis

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

Opinionated Science: Cannabis Potency Testing

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.

Episode 32: Debunking the "Hygiene Hypothesis" and Psychedelic Brain Changes

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)

Opinionated Science : When Cannabis Meets Robotics

 

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.

Episode 31: Night Owls, Inflatable Implants and Twins' Trauma

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