Opinionated Science

Get ready to step into the future of biomedical research with the ground-breaking technology of "body-on-a-chip." In this exciting episode, we chat with Professor Don Ingber, the incredible mind behind this revolutionary technology, to uncover the potential of miniature "organs-on-a-chip". By listening to this episode you'll discover how these tiny chips are poised to revolutionize healthcare and drug discovery.

Join us on a journey to the forefront of therapeutic antibody development.   In this sneak peek episode you'll gain insights into how scientists and specialists at Bio-Rad are revolutionizing the biopharmaceutical industry through their customized approach to antibody discovery. Discover how the Pioneer Antibody Discovery platform is leading the development of exclusive, high-quality biologic candidates and providing unique advantages over commercially available discovery solutions. Full episode HERE.  

Opinionated Science welcomes Paulius Palaima for a remarkable behind-the-scenes look into the world of Electrophoresis. Lucy and Paulius discuss the Invitrogen E-gel Power Snap Plus electrophoresis system, and the features and benefits in both high- and low-throughput applications...there's even a mention of Pokémon to listen out for! Listen to the full episode now.     

Opinionated Science welcomes Dr. Armand Balboni for a remarkable behind-the-scenes look into the world of vaccines. Lucy and Armand discuss everything from how vaccines are developed, to future strategies for global vaccination – including a push toward needle-free vaccinations. Opinionated Science is a podcast by Technology Networks', 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. To listen to the full episode, click here. 

Opinionated Science welcomes Dr. Armand Balboni for a remarkable behind-the-scenes look into the world of vaccines. Lucy and Armand discuss everything from how vaccines are developed, to future strategies for global vaccination – including a push toward needle-free vaccinations. Opinionated Science is a podcast by Technology Networks', 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.  

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.  In this incredible episode of Opinionated Science, we will discuss the exciting concept of the Lab Of the Future with senior manager of product management at Thermo Fisher Scientific Dean Mulyk.   Dean will be answering those tricky questions of why organisations should be looking to invest in this concept, how artificial intelligence will be impacting the lab of the future, and if people will still be essential in this futuristic laboratory. To listen to the full episode, click here.   

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.  In this sneak peek episode, Lucy Lawrence will discuss the world of optimizing bioprocesses with Geoffroy Malherbe, Senior Technical Sales Manager for Single-Use Technologies at Thermo Fisher Scientific. Lucy and Geoffroy will discuss how these technologies are being used to achieve process compression and their effect on biopharmaceutical purification processes of the future. To listen to the full episode, click here.   

This latest episode is an audio version of a cover story from our online magazine, The Scientific Observer. Writer Kerry Taylor Smith explores the spread of "forever" chemicals called PFAS. Persistent and ever-present, scientists are only starting to unravel the impact PFAS may have on the environment and our health.  Read the full article here:  The Scientific Observer Issue 18

Watch Grace's Keynote HERE.  This episode of Opinionated Science is part of our latest podcast mini-series, where we are joined by esteemed STEM advocates, scientists as well as diversity, equity and inclusion experts who share their experiences interacting with and mentoring a virtual scientist named Grace. Grace represents the next generation of scientists, but also, the underrepresented. She has the potential to change the face of analytical science; hers is an incredible, but fragile journey that called upon scientists across the globe for mentorship. In this episode of Opinionated Science, we are joined by Farzana Azam who heads up Ideation at SCIEX as part of the Strategy and Innovation team to discuss the power of building a culture of opportunity in STEM fields. By listening to this podcast, you'll be joining an unprecedented conversation in science. Now, wouldn't that be extraordinary? Watch Grace's keynote.

This latest episode is an audio version of a cover story from our online magazine, The Scientific Observer. In that article, writer Tanaaz Khan explores the “lingering” promise of lab-based meat, investigating whether this future food will deliver for the world's rapidly growing population. Read the full article here:  The Scientific Observer Issue 16

Watch Grace's Keynote HERE.  This episode of Opinionated Science is part of our latest podcast mini-series, where we are joined by esteemed STEM advocates, scientists as well as diversity, equity and inclusion experts who share their experiences interacting with and mentoring a virtual scientist named Grace. Grace represents the next generation of scientists, but also, the underrepresented. She has the potential to change the face of analytical science; hers is an incredible, but fragile journey that called upon scientists across the globe for mentorship. In this episode, voices of change, Arpana Vaniya, PhD and Maryam Goudarzi, PhD, discuss how we can achieve gender equity and more diversity in STEM disciplines through mastering outreach and mentorship.   By listening to this podcast, you'll be joining an unprecedented conversation in science. Now, wouldn't that be extraordinary? Watch Grace's keynote.

In this sneak peek episode of Opinionated Science, Lucy Lawrence and Dr. Steve Williams, the chief medical officer at SomaLogic, take a deep dive into the world of proteomics.  This full episode podcast will discuss how recent advances in proteomics have been adopted in both pharmaceutical and academic research and are now core techniques central to drug discovery and disease research.   To listen to the full episode, click here.   

On this episode of Opinionated Science, the team investigate two technologies that suggest that take the “fi” out of “scifi”. Listen now to find out how one research group is repairing blindness with an unexpected source of cellular help and another is using alternating electrical current to enhance memory performance.   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.   Read more from this podcast:   Targeted Electrical Brain Stimulation Improves Memory in Older Adults   Curing Corneal Blindness With Bioengineered Pig Skin Implants  

Plastic is everywhere, you only need to look around you to gather small glimpses of how it has become a seemingly essential part of our life. However, given the sheer quantities we produce and use each year, plastic is one of our societies biggest environmental concerns.  When plastic waste degrades, it generates micro and even nano plastics which have the potential to cross biological barriers and build up in organisms. These plastics have even been found to cross the human bodys blood-brain barrier.  In this sneak peek episode of Opinionated Science, Lucy Lawrence and Professor Éva Valsami-Jones take a deep dive into the global microplastic emergency and discuss how micro and nano plastics are infiltrating life as we know it.  This full episode podcast will discuss what current research is telling us about the potential hazards posed by microplastics and remedial options being explored. To listen to the full episode, click here.   

Watch Grace's Keynote HERE.  This episode of Opinionated Science is part of our latest podcast mini-series, where we are joined by esteemed STEM advocates, scientists as well as diversity, equity and inclusion experts who share their experiences interacting with and mentoring a virtual scientist named Grace. Grace represents the next generation of scientists, but also, the underrepresented. She has the potential to change the face of analytical science; hers is an incredible, but fragile journey that called upon scientists across the globe for mentorship. In this incredible episode, we speak with Sisters in Science who are taking social media by storm and helping to break stereotypes within STEM.  By listening to this podcast, you'll be joining an unprecedented conversation in science. Now, wouldn't that be extraordinary? Watch Grace's keynote.

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.  In this sneak peek episode, Lucy Lawrence will discuss the world of cell culturing with Associate Professor of Stem Cell Biology Darius Widera. Dr Widera is currently an Assistant Professor/ Lecturer at the University of Reading, United Kingdom Lucy and Darius will explore how scientists can use cell culturing within their labs, the differences between 2D and 3D cell cultures as well as looking to the future to see where this space is heading next. To listen to the full episode, click here.   

Watch Grace's Keynote HERE.  This episode of Opinionated Science is part of our latest podcast mini-series, where we are joined by esteemed STEM advocates, scientists as well as diversity, equity and inclusion experts who share their experiences interacting with and mentoring a virtual scientist named Grace. Grace represents the next generation of scientists, but also, the underrepresented. She has the potential to change the face of analytical science; hers is an incredible, but fragile journey that called upon scientists across the globe for mentorship. In this episode Graces mentor Dr. Jeanita Pritchett will be sharing her experiences becoming a speaker, trainer and coach focused on personal and professional development. She will be touching on the ways that she has ad­vocated for diversity, equity and inclusion in STEM and will share tips for identifying people in your life who can support your journey. By listening to this podcast, you'll be joining an unprecedented conversation in science. Now, wouldn't that be extraordinary? Listen to Grace's keynote.

In the latest Opinionated Science, the team discuss the discovery of an absolute unit of a bacterium in a Caribbean swamp, and the potential of intermittent fasting to accelerate nerve repair in mice. 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.   Read more from this podcast: The Largest Bacterium Ever Has Been Found in a Caribbean Swamp Intermittent Fasting Increases Nerve Repair in Mice

This latest episode is an audio version of a cover story from our online magazine, The Scientific Observer. In it, TN Senior Science Writer Molly Campbell takes a deep dive into drug discovery efforts looking to harness the next generation of medicines from Earth's cradle of life: the ocean. 

This latest episode is an audio version of a cover story from our online magazine, The Scientific Observer. In it, Technology Networks' Senior Science Writer, Ruairi J Mackenzie, visits a clinic in London offering injections of ketamine as a solution to addiction. What is the future of this new frontier of psychedelic medicine?

On this episode of Opinionated Science, the team reviews two studies that show off the power of genomic technologies, from very different angles. One answers key questions about why some women experience extreme vomiting and sickness in their first trimester of pregnancy, and the other reveals why dog breeds aren't all they are cracked up to be.   Read more from this podcast:  Nausea and Vomiting During Pregnancy Might Not Just Be Morning Sickness Dog Breed Is Not an Accurate Way To Predict Behavior Next-Generation Sequencing Whole-Exome Sequencing

In this episode of Opinionated Science, the team discuss a new advance that uses a microscopic worm to sniff out lung cancer, why caffeine is being investigated to treat ADHD and a stats study that may undermine an important area of neuroscience.   Read more from this podcast:  "Worm-on-a-Chip" Device Could Help Diagnose Lung Cancer Could Caffeine Help To Alleviate Some Symptoms of ADHD? Stats Study Reveals Reason for Replication Crisis in Neuroscience

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.  In this sneak peek episode, Lucy Lawrence will be discussing the world of infectious diseases with Senior Research Associate at the University of Cambridge, Freya Jephcott. Freya's work is primarily concerned with the effectiveness of outbreak response systems in resource-limited settings, and their management in outbreaks of uncertain etiology. In addition to this, Freya also participates in applied and policy work on complex health emergencies with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and the World Health Organization (WHO). They will be speaking with Freya to explore how scientists can predict an outbreak of an emerging disease, what happens when things go wrong as well as looking to the future to see where the future of the space is heading. To listen to the full episode, click here. 

In the latest Opinionated Science, the TN team look at a study of pigs' emotions that may put you off your bacon, discover why an extinct rat shows the challenges of bringing species back from the dead and explore why bacteria of oceanic origin are key to your gut's ability to digest a humble maki roll.   Read more from this podcast:  How Does Your Gut Deal With Sushi? Pigs' Emotions Revealed by Decoding Grunts Exploring the Limitations of “Resurrecting” Extinct Animals Return From Extinction

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.  In this sneak peek episode, Lucy Lawrence will discuss the world of cancer immunology with Professor of Cell and Tissue Therapy at UCL, the Director of Cellular Therapy at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, and also Pioneer in the manufacturing of cell and gene therapies – Dr. Mark Lowdell. Lucy will be speaking with Mark and hearing fascinating stories from throughout his career within the cancer immunology space, as well as asking more about targets that show particular promise and the greatest challenges in making them available. To listen to the full episode, click here. 

  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.  In this sneak peek episode, the team is joined by Dr David Hughes, the Chief Executive Officer at CN Bio and Assistant Professor Martin Trapecar at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.   We hear their expert insights into the world of body-on-a-chip technology as well as how CN Bio's range of PhysioMimix™ microphysiological systems work. To listen to the full episode, click here. 

In the latest Opinionated Science, the first of 2022, the TN team discuss why multiple sclerosis links to a herpesvirus, a limb regenerating Fitbit that has amputee frogs hopping again and the next era of pill-based mRNA technology.   It's also the debut of a new segment for Opinionated Science, Lab Confidential, where we reveal the chaos in our listeners' labs that doesn't make it into publication.   Read more from this podcast:  Drug Cocktail Enables Frogs To Regenerate Amputated Limbs Capsule for Oral mRNA Delivery Developed and Tested Multiple Sclerosis Is Likely Caused by a Virus, Finds Study of 10 Million Military Personnel  

In this bumper episode, the team review a series of studies from the last year that investigate Christmassy food. Could the future of Christmas dinner involve a cell culture roast, unnaturally smooth chocolate and fractal cauliflower?  Read more from this podcast:  Unraveling the Romanesco Cauliflower's Spiraling Structure Hate Broccoli? Your Oral Microbiome Might Be the Reason 3D-Bioprinting Raises the Steaks on Waygu Hardened Wood Knife Can Slice a Steak More Easily Than Steel Scientists Find Key to Perfectly Smooth Chocolate

In this episode, the team examines a new study that challenges the notion that gut microbes may play a causal role in autism spectrum disorder. Might a link once ascribed to signaling from the gut's nervous system actually just be a consequence of restricted diet? Read more from this podcast: Small study suggesting alteration of ASD traits after microbiome transfer Our immersive article on the microbiome – Inside the Microbiome A “For the Record” from Autism Speaks on their change in direction Jake Gratten and colleagues write on their study for The Conversation

In this podcast, the team look at two overlooked diseases. Malignant mesothelioma was known to be caused by the construction material asbestos decades before it was banned, while ME/CFS remains poorly understood by science. Two new developments could bring and clarity and a route to better treatment for these conditions.    Read more from this podcast:  Health Body Scraps Graded Exercise Therapy Recommendation for ME/CFS What Is ME/CFS? How the Pace Trial Misled ME/CFS Patients - via STAT Medical Leaders Sign Joint Statement in Response to NICE Guidelines on ME/CFS Therapy for Mesothelioma and Metastatic Cancer Enters Phase 1 Trial What Is Mesothelioma?

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.  In this sneak peek episode, the team is joined by  Dr. Carl Ascoli, Chief Scientific Officer at Rockland Immunochemicals. Drawing upon decades of experience in drug development, join us to hear Dr Ascoli's unique insights into some of the biggest challenges we face when looking at reproducibility and how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed this. To listen to the full episode, click here.  Or, copy this link: https://technet.works/ReproducibilityCrisisPodcast

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

 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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

On this episode, the team take a look at a new study that suggests the "Hygeine 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)

  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.

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  

On this week's Opinionated Science, the team take a look at the growing potential of psychedelic medicine. Hundreds of new clinical trials, exciting new synthetic psychedelics and a universal acceptance that current mental health treatments are not meeting patients' needs have pushed the mind-altering potential of psychedelics into the medical mainstream. In this episode, Technology Networks Senior Science Writer Ruairi J Mackenzie takes a deep dive into four leading psychedelic compounds: psilocybin, MDMA, ketamine and DMT. Read more from this podcast: Why Does Ketamine Fight Depression? Finding Answers at BNA 2019 Mirror's Image: Could a Simple Flip Produce a More Effective Ketamine-Based Antidepressant? The Neuroscience of Psychedelic Drugs: Your Brain on Psilocybin With Frederick Streeter Barrett

In this episode of Opinionated Science, we hear from Annika Branting, the Product Manager for Visium spatial solutions EMEA for 10x Genomics, and Peetra Magnusson from Uppsala University.  Together we explore the world of spatial transcriptomics and get a sneak peek into Peetra's work where she investigates the rare neurovascular disease Cerebral cavernous malformations and the benefits she has found when using spatial transcriptomics in her work.    Read more from this podcast: https://www.10xgenomics.com/resources/publications?sortBy=publications-relevance&refinementList%5BproductGroups%5D%5B0%5D=Spatial%20Gene%20Expression&page=1 https://elifesciences.org/articles/61413

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

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.

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. 

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.

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

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

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  Colombia's cocaine hippos and the complex impacts of invasive species  

In this episode, the team is joined by Ariel Bohman, an application scientist at PerkinElmer. They discuss the different types of microplastics and how they are affecting everything from the food we eat to the corals in our oceans.