Future Science Group

Exploring biomarker testing in clinical research

Join Tara Crawford-Parks, PhD, Director for Translational R&D and Product Enablement at DNA Genotek, to explore the potential of first void urine biomarkers in clinical diagnostics. Discover how this non-invasive sampling method is transforming HPV screening and opening new possibilities for early disease detection in oncology and infectious diseases. Learn about the science behind first void urine collection, its advantages over traditional sampling methods, and how innovative devices like the Colli-Pee™ are supporting more accessible healthcare for underserved populations worldwide.

In this episode of the STEM Tea podcast, host AJ Hinton is joined by two science educators who are striving to instill a love of science and a sense of belonging within K–12 students through outreach initiatives and programs. Yelena Janumyan is a postdoctoral fellow at the Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach at Vanderbilt University (TN, USA). Since receiving her PhD, Yelena has taught science and math in schools; however, she is now turning her attention back to research. At the time of recording, Zachary Conley was also a postdoctoral fellow at the Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach at Vanderbilt University. Before joining the Collaborative, he was working toward his PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology from the Baylor College of Medicine (TX, USA). At the Collaborative, Yelena and Zachary were co-instructors for the Day of Discovery Program, an initiative for middle school students to participate in a research-based STEM curriculum one school day per week. Content • Introductions: 00:00–02:39 • More about the Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach and their Day of Discovery initiative: 02:40–05:27 • Why should we care about this initiative? 05:28–07:45 • How do your science classes differ from standard classes? 07:46–09:34 • How does this program support and inspire students? Plus, personal motivations for instructing this program: 09:35–12:46 • Expanding the horizon of career prospects, belonging and scientific exploration: 12:47–18:15 • Navigating STEM careers, from mentors to research: 18:16–22:36 • A lesson in leadership: 22:37–24:15 • How can we improve education for all? 24:16–29:52 • How can scientists and teachers work together to improve STEM education? 29:53–32:27 • Closing thoughts: 32:28–36:27

In this podcast, Director of GLP bioanalysis Lan Li reviews immunoassays versus mass spectrometry-based methods as tools for protein biomarker quantitation. Focusing specifically on mass spectrometry approaches, Lan explores various methodologies, such as top-down, middle-down and bottom-up, as well as the sample preparation procedures required. Lan concludes by reviewing the current challenges impacting protein biomarker quantification and how QPS Holdings, LLC is developing solutions to overcome them.

In this episode of the STEM Tea podcast, AJ Hinton is joined by Ulises Ricoy, who was the Director of Outreach Initiatives at the University of Arizona (AZ, USA) at the time of this recording. Ulises has championed low-cost approaches to basic neuroscience research as well as educated underrepresented groups in STEM academia. In this episode, Ulises shares his journey to STEM, including how he developed his research and the value of diverse perspectives within that research. He also shares why not everyone is cut out to be a mentor and where to start with tackling representation in academia. Since the recording, Ulises has pursued other opportunities outside of academia. Contents: ● Meet Ulises and what drives his research 00:55–23:41 ● Why encouraging professional–personal balance can support diverse recruitment 23:42–43:00 ● What makes a mentor 43:01–55:38 ● Closing 55:39–56:46

In this episode of the STEM Tea podcast, host AJ Hinton is joined by Brielle Ferguson, Assistant Professor in Genetics and Neurology at Harvard (MA, USA), and Angeline J. Dukes, Assistant Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Minnesota (MN, USA). Brielle is a researcher studying the biomarkers of cognitive dysfunction and Angeline shares her time between teaching and leading DEI initiatives at the University of Minnesota. In this episode, Brielle and Angeline share why visibility is so important in representation and the valuable lessons they've learned about being a mentee and a mentor. They also discuss their journey towards launching Black in Neuro and what unmet needs remain. Contents: ● Meet Brielle Ferguson 01:00–02:04 ● Meet Angeline J. Dukes 02:05–03:14 ● Welcoming – and retaining – under-represented groups on campus 03:15–07:47 ● Prioritizing yourself to push for progress 07:48–12:56 ● The power of visibility in enabling authenticity 12:57–18:57 ● Why mentorship is a must, and the mentors who made a difference for Brielle and Angeline 18:58–27:08 ● The genesis and goals of Black in Neuro 27:09–34:28 ● Building community and addressing funding disparity 34:29–39:15

In this episode of the STEM Tea podcast, host AJ Hinton is joined by Luis A. Leyva (left), Associate Professor of Mathematics Education & STEM Higher Education in the Peabody College of Education & Human Development at Vanderbilt University (TN, USA). Luis is the Director of the Power, Resistance & Identity in STEM Education (PRISM) Research Lab. He describes how his research examines equity through pedagogy to disrupt racism and cisheteropatriarchy for broadening opportunities among historically marginalized populations in STEM. In this episode, Luis discusses why amplifying marginalized experiences as knowledge sources is vital to challenge the status quo in STEM pedagogy, in addition to his perspectives about leadership as a researcher. He also shares his experiences of being an openly queer man of color as a form of resistance and the ethos of his equity-minded mentorship in the academy. Contents Meet Luis 00:41–02:54 The evolving definition of ‘STEM' and variation of disciplinary cultures in the sciences 02:55–04:48 Expanding opportunities for historically marginalized groups in STEM through pedagogy 04:49–07:35 A glimpse into pedagogy in postsecondary calculus for STEM educational equity 07:36-12:25 Sustaining professional energy by nurturing aspects of personal life 12:26–16:30 The leadership challenges of making space for multiple voices whilst maintaining a collective vision 16:31–22:04 Passion for amplifying and validating experiences of intersectionality to foster a sense of belonging in STEM 22:05–25:25 Learning and growing alongside research mentees in equity-minded advising 25:26–29:54 Being out as a form of resistance, especially in STEM environments 29:55–33:13 Mentorship: paying it forward, facilitating connections and embracing equity 33:14–39:16 Closing 39:17–40:37

In this episode of the STEM Tea podcast, host AJ Hinton is joined by Haysetta Shuler, an academic consultant in industrial–organizational psychology (I–O psychology) and a DEI mentor. Haysetta is an experienced administrator at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), and she is passionate about increasing the involvement of Black students in STEM. In this episode, Haysetta discusses the value of I–O psychology and how students at HBCUs can be supported with hands-on experience, mentorship and network building. She also shares her tips for choosing a mentor or mentee and the value of saying less and listening more. Contents ● Meet Haysetta 00:55–04:36 ● Spotting, seizing and maximizing opportunities 04:37–08:27 ● Generating evidence on the positive impacts of improving work–life balance 08:28–13:12 ● Preparing students at HBCUs for their next steps through Project Strengthen 13:13–24:37 ● The impact and remaining need for HBCUs 24:38–31:41 ● Engaging students and their families to secure the Black STEM pipeline 31:42–35:59 ● Being led by student needs when developing programs 36:00–40:03 ● Building a strong, sustainable and effective mentor–mentee relationship 40:04–47:07 ● What the future holds for STEM, I–O psychology and Project Strengthen 47:08–58:09

In this episode of the STEM Tea podcast, host AJ Hinton is joined by Corey Reynolds, a Regional Medical Scientific Director in industry. Corey's background ranges from academics to industry consulting; he applies these varied experiences to mentoring the next generation of Black scientists. In this episode, Corey explains his current role as a medical science liaison (MSL) and how it varies from his experiences in academia. He also discusses the crucial need for more Black scientists in every stage of the scientific process, from student labs to clinical trials. Contents ● Meet Corey 00:56–05:50 ● Understanding and securing a MSL role 05:51–09:11 ● The differences between MSL and academic roles 09:12–12:36 ● Dealing with uncertainty in an industry role 12:37–16:25 ● Mentoring Black students at different institutions 16:26–19:19 ● Black in Physiology as a place of sanctuary and mentorship 19:20–26:22 ● The impact of winning awards 26:23–28:49 ● Encouraging collaboration 28:50–32:29 ● Corey's life outside of work 32:30–33:53 ● Reversing the downward trajectory of diversity in higher education 33:54–40:42 ● Championing increased clinical trial diversity 40:43–44:24 To learn more about Black in Physiology, listen to our podcast with founder Clintoria Williams.

In this episode of the STEM Tea podcast, host AJ Hinton is joined by Clintoria Williams, Principal Investigator in the Kidney PathoPhysiology Research Group at Wright State University (OH, USA). Clintoria is a physiologist who is passionate about ‘lifting while climbing' and is a co-founder of Black in Physiology. In this episode, Clintoria shares her journey in mentorship, sharing her tips for balancing your professional and personal life, and turning every experience into an opportunity for learning. She also shares highlights from last year's Black in Physiology Week, an online and community event that celebrates achievements, and provides resources and support. Contents: ● Meet Clintoria Williams and her research: 0:00–2:02 ● Promoting equity and inclusion in your space: 2:03–5:35 ● Getting the most out of mentoring for both mentors and mentees: 5:36–9:10 ● Balancing professional and personal commitments: 9:11–14:50 ● The birth and growth of Black in Physiology: 14:51–21:40 ● Championing Generation Now and preparing Generation Next: 21:41–26:16 ● Taking time to celebrate your strengths and turn weaknesses into opportunities: 26:17–28:43 ● Leading with the 'why' in research and communication: 28:44–31:08 ● Her journey towards being a mentor and a leader: 31:09–35:34 ● The power of bringing your true self everywhere you go: 35:35–38:00 ● Highlights from the most recent Black in Physiology Week and what's to come in the future: 38:01–42:59 ● What's next for Clintoria and her team of Zinc-sperts? 43:00–46:33 ● Clintoria's advice for her younger self: 46:34–47:46 ● Wine recommendations to stay fearless from Clintoria and AJ: 47:47–49:50

In this episode of the STEM Tea podcast, AJ Hinton is joined by Alberto Vasquez, Academic Coordinator for the Center for Research in Educational Equity and Teaching (CREATE) at University of California, San Diego (CA, USA). Alberto is a biologist and educator, applying his lived experience to support students from underserved communities. At CREATE, he spearheads the university's efforts to increase STEM diversity, access and interest to disenfranchised communities throughout Southern California. In this episode, he offers advice for students to look beyond the mirror to find a mentor, how to advance equity by building strong relationships and why you should consider ‘different normals'.

From sensitivity to selectivity: transforming mass spectrometry imaging with targeted solutions

Unveiling bioanalytical datasets for the successful development of ADCs

Bridging science and safety: exploring toxicology studies and regulatory requirements

This International Women's Day, we're joined by Lindsay Davies, Chief Scientific Officer at NextCell Pharma (Stockholm, Sweden), to discuss the evolving role of cell therapies in treating autoimmune diseases. In this podcast, Davies breaks down the science behind NextCell's mesenchymal stromal cell therapy for type 1 diabetes and explores how these cells could be applied to other autoimmune conditions. She emphasizes the importance of tailoring cell therapies based on disease type, stage and patient profile to achieve the best outcomes. The conversation also highlights how growing evidence of sex-related differences will could increasingly shape decisions in the development and testing of cell therapies.

During the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) PharmSci 360 2024 conference, Bioanalysis Zone caught up with industry experts across numerous disciplines to discuss their involvement with AAPS and their research. In this interview, we spoke to Priyata Kalra about her talk on the use of GenAI within biomedicine.

In this episode, we sit down with Megan Cooley, Associate Director of Bioanalytical Services at ICON (KS, USA), to explore the cutting-edge world of antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) quantitation using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Megan delves into the capabilities of Triple Quadrupole and Time-of-Flight mass spectrometry, offering her expert insights into whether HRMS is essential for ADC PK studies. We also tackle the challenges and limitations of HRMS in ADC quantitation and discuss the potential for AI to create more specific and stable ADCs. Finally, Megan highlights ICON's extensive experience with large molecule applications and their innovative approach to supporting complex LC–MS analyses.

In this interview, we discuss the potential of AI in increasing healthcare system efficiency, how medical devices are making procedures less invasive and what those working in the field of medical devices can do to help regulation catch up with innovation.

In the sixth episode of The new frontier podcast, we're joined by Catherine Vrentas, Life Sciences Lead at Booz Allen Hamilton (VA, USA). Cathy explains how biomarkers can be used to predict the therapeutic outcome and efficacy of CGTs and the biomarkers in particular that have shown strong predictive value. We delve into the common challenges of working with biomarkers in CGTs and how biomarker kits can be adapted for CGT work.

Carlon Fitzpatrick AI Summit by Future Science Group

Challenges and solutions in monitoring assay performance for vaccine development: an interview with Atul Chaudhari

We caught up with Principal Scientist Lindsay Denhoff (ICON; Dublin, Ireland) to discuss immunogenicity considerations for therapeutic proteins and the current analytical methodologies for detecting and characterizing anti-drug antibodies (ADAs). Lindsay shares some industry best practices for achieving high-quality ADA assays, as well as some of the advantages and limitations of singlicate ADA analysis compared with alternative techniques. We finish the interview with a look to the future where Lindsay discusses the emerging trends she's spotted in the field of immunogenicity and offers her predictions for how they may shape the future of therapeutic protein development.

In this Tech Blast episode supported by Sartorius (Göttingen, Germany), we speak with David Apiyo – Manager of Applications Development at Sartorius (MN, USA) – about epitope binning, why it's performed and the best ways to conduct it. Plus, learn more about Sartorius' biolayer interferometry platforms and their application in epitope binning.

In this interview, we spoke to John Chappell, Senior Global Scientific Support Manager at Gyros Protein Technologies (Uppsala, Sweden) about his experience working with the Gyrolab platform for oligonucleotide assays. John discusses the advantages of using Gyrolab for oligo quantification in biological fluids and shares his thoughts on the next steps for these assays.

In the fifth episode of The New Frontier podcast, we're joined by Paul Byrne, Senior Director of Genomics from ProtaGene (MA, USA). Paul describes his experience working with qPCR vs digital and digital droplet PCR assays and advises on their pros and cons, as well as when it's best to use each. We discuss how these assays can be optimized for cell and gene therapy targets and get a peek into the tips and tricks he's picked up over his 30 years of experience.

In this episode of The New Frontier podcast, we're joined by Daniel Schulz-Jander, Senior Director of Mass spectrometry Bioanalysis at QPS Netherlands (Groningen). Daniel explains how he uses immune-precipitation and immunoaffinity LC–MS techniques for his work relating to macromolecular pharmaceuticals like gene therapies, as well as their benefits and challenges. Daniel also covers bottom-up, middle-down and top-down approaches and their suitability for his work in clinical support versus research and discovery.

Breaking down barriers for women in tech: an interview with Tina Marshall by Future Science Group

What disparities exist in cancer screening and how does this impact patient outcomes? Listen to our latest podcast episode with Kilan Ashad-Bishop (American Cancer Society) to find out about the intersection between science, health, and society.

AI-driven early disease detection: an interview with Jim Kean by Future Science Group

In this episode, we spoke to Senior Director Johanna Mora about her experience with immunogenicity testing for cell and gene therapies (CGTs) and how she prepared for the expansion of BMS's portfolio to include CGTs. We discuss the importance of having diverse teams with a broad range of experiences to solve complex problems, as well as the role of artificial intelligence in improving our efficiency and spotting patterns in the data.

In the first episode of this series, we spoke to Executive Director and Global Head of Regulatory Services Kimberley Buytaert-Hoefen about her experience with cell and gene therapy (CGT) approvals and the barriers to getting these important therapeutics to the patient. Kim advises early regulatory interaction and collaboration to improve the success rate of applications and emphasizes the importance of global harmonization of regulatory standards. We discuss key barriers to CGT approvals including manufacturing and immunogenicity and Kim voices her excitement for the newly approved CRISPR-Cas9 technology to treat sickle cell disease.

AI and the UK Biobank: an interview with Mahesh Pancholi

In our new podcast series, we're joined by a Bioanalysis author to review their publication's biggest challenges, wider implications and next steps. In the final episode of series one, we're joined by Hetal Sarvaiya and Yuting Wang from AbbVie (MA, USA), who talk about the challenges of having an international team working on their perspective article and the inspiration behind their work. The pair talk passionately about their paper and how the unique nature of AbbVie's global team has helped shape their work.

Virtual reality therapies for mental health: Marta Matamala-Gomez

An interview with Namshik Han: predicting protein structure with AI

In this Tech Blast episode supported by Sartorius, we speak with Derrick Christopher Campos, Product Manager at Sartorius (TX, USA), about Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR). This tried-and-true technique allows researchers to do label-free protein characterization; in this podcast, Derrick discusses how Sartorius improves upon multi-cycle kinetics with their OneStep® gradient injection.

In our new podcast series, we're joined by a Bioanalysis author to review their publication's biggest challenges, wider implications and next steps. In episode four, we're joined by Senior Scientist and Technical Specialist Ashley Phillips. Ashley's publication assessed the performance of next-generation trypsins for rapid protein LC-MS bioanalysis, effectively reducing a two-day process into just one day's work. As the paper's lead author, Ashley outlines the experimental design, the challenges associated with data storage and how he and the team are now applying the best-performing trypsin in their workflows.

In our new podcast series, we're joined by a Bioanalysis author to review their publication's biggest challenges, wider implications and next steps. In episode three, Digital Editor Ellen Williams is joined by Clinical Instructor and Education Coordinator Camilla Linder and Biomedical Laboratory Scientist Miguel Gambell Barroso. The collaborative publication details an inventive method for determining hematocrit in dried blood spots using image analysis to avoid sample damage. Camilla and Miguel discuss the origins of the work, the challenges involved and even hint at a unique use for their method.

An interview with Walt Szablowski: how should healthcare systems handle cybersecurity breaches? by Future Science Group

In this episode of Talking Techniques, Ritwika Biswas, Field Scientist at Sino Biological US Inc. (PA, USA), walks us through the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) development process and how T and natural killer (NK) cells can be utilized to carry these modular synthetic molecules. Ritwika also addresses the safety and efficacy of these cell therapies as well as the ethical considerations around them.

In this episode of Talking Techniques, Ritwika Biswas, Field Scientist at Sino Biological US Inc. (PA, USA), walks us through the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) development process and how T and natural killer (NK) cells can be utilized to carry these modular synthetic molecules. Ritwika also addresses the safety and efficacy of these cell therapies as well as the ethical considerations around them.

AI Summit 2023: an interview with Phalgun Lolur by Future Science Group

Brain-computer interfaces and neuroethics with Uthman Ali by Future Science Group

Brain-computer interfaces and neuroethics with Uthman Ali by Future Science Group

In this Tech Blast episode, we explore preparing 3D cell cultures with Sartorius' (Goettingen, Germany) Sandra Söderholm, Application Development Specialist, and Maria Voutilainen, Product Manager. Sandra and Maria give us an introduction to 3D cell cultures and how to prepare them, and then delve into a foundational technique that is often overlooked: pipetting. We discuss pipetting techniques, common mistakes and their pipetting dos and don'ts. Contents: Introduction: 00:00–01:30 An introduction to 3D cell cultures: 01:30–02:48 Preparing 3D cell cultures: 02:48–03:25 Don't overlook your pipetting technique: 03:25–05:45 Common pipetting mistakes and how to overcome them: 05:45–08:30 Reproducibility of 3D cell cultures: 08:30–10:30

In our new podcast series, we're joined by a Bioanalysis author to review their publication's biggest challenges, wider implications and next steps. In episode two, Ellen is joined by Research Assistant Gaudry Troché to discuss conventional sampling and microsampling for the comparison of pharmacokinetic study profiles of insulin. Gaudry discusses life as an early career scientist, his plans for the future and his poster presentation at the Health Benefits and Leadership conference in Las Vegas.

In this episode of Talking Techniques, Ritwika Biswas, Field Scientist at Sino Biological US Inc., walks us through the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) development process and how T and natural killer (NK) cells can be utilized to carry these modular synthetic molecules. Ritwika also addresses the safety and efficacy of these cell therapies as well as the ethical considerations around them.

Lance - Interview - FINAL by Future Science Group

Luciano Floridi Interview Final by Future Science Group

In this episode, supported by Fortis Life Sciences, we delve into the relationship between mitochondria, inflammation and cancer, discussing the new techniques that are bearing fruit in this field, such as spatial analysis. Our expert insight for this episode comes from Phillip West, Principle Investigator of the West lab at Texas A&M Medicine (TX, USA). Philip explains the role mitochondria can play in cancer and heart disease, reveals some of his most exciting discoveries of late and provides technical tips for investigating this field. Listen on to discover how his use of spatial techniques has helped uncover mechanisms linking mitochondrial damage to the stifling of the immune system in the tumor microenvironment and the latest breakthroughs at the intersection of mitochondria and cancer. Contents: Introduction: 00:00-01:30The innate immune system, in inflammation and disease: 01:30-04:20The role of mitochondria in innate immunity: 04:20-07:00Categorizing DAMPS and their role in cardiovascular disease: 07:00-08:40Mitochondria and cancer: 08:40-11:55Techniques for the investigation of mitochondria: 11:55-15:20Best practice techniques for spatial studies: 15:20-17:35Discoveries made using spatial approaches to mitochondrial investigations: 17:35-19:55The latest developments in the intersection of mitochondria, cancer and inflammation: 19:55-22:20What is one thing you would ask for to improve your understanding of this field? 22:20-24:20

Intelligent health systems: an interview with Mazin Gadir by Future Science Group