The Thought et al‪.‬ Rebecca Isabell Boylan

Dagny shares how she found her herself as a psychology student in her way to getting her Ph.D. and the value she has found in doing research. 

This episode covers microfluidics; what it is, how it works, and the technology's implications and numerous uses. Microfluidics uses extremely small volumes of fluid to create assays, cell cultures, and much more. We also talk about biphasic DNA amplification and the interdisciplinary nature of microfluidics. 

What do the brain, the liver, and the gut all have in common? The answer: each of these biological systems are affected in Familial Dysautonomia (FD). Frances, Valérie, and Seth sit down to discuss what FD is and the biological effects patients have as a result, their collaborative approach to research, and the genesis of the project. This episode is an in-depth view into their thought processes and teamwork to elucidate more about FD and it's treatment.

Susy Kohout explains how assumptions led to later findings that were unexpected with VSP channels. We cover what Voltage Sensing Phosphatases (VSPs) are, their important mechanism in the cell, research methods used to explore them, and what is still unknown. We also cover the importance of accepting other possibilities, collaborating, and being patient with research. 

Dr. Palmer explains what sleep is, its importance for both mental and physical health, and how to get a better night's sleep.

Seth Walk covers the microbiome, its role in overall health, germ-free mouse models, research and the gut-brain axis.