SciPod

SciPod

5.0 (2)
SCIENCE
UPDATED DAILY

SciPod

Listen to the story behind the science. SciPod boasts a rich reputation of bringing a new, authentic and easy communication style to lovers of science and technology. Best of all, you can listen for free! so what are you waiting for, click play and start enjoying. www.scipod.global

1D AGO

Editing DNA and Degrading Proteins: The Tools to Achieve Precision Oncology

Cancer is a daunting healthcare challenge, and is still affecting millions worldwide, despite the enormous research resources that have been directed at finding effective treatments over the past decades. Many anti-cancer treatments remain poorly specific for the tumours they are intended to treat, and often suffer from modest efficacy and serious off-target effects. Part of the problem is the inherent variability between many tumours and their resulting unpredictable responses to standard chemotherapy. However, the latest advancements in precision oncology may be the start of a new paradigm, potentially providing targeted therapeutic payloads that can successfully address the specific and unique issues underlying a given patient’s cancer. Researchers such as Prof. Diana Jaalouk and her colleagues at the American University of Beirut in Lebanon are pioneering innovative tools that are changing the way we understand and treat this complex disease. Two remarkable recent technologies, CRISPR-Cas9 and PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (or PROTACs for short), are at the forefront of this precision revolution. While distinct in their approach, these tools share a common goal: targeting cancer with precision and minimizing harm to healthy cells. Together, they are set to reshape the therapeutic landscape.

7 min
1D AGO

Beyond Chickens: Unlocking the Hidden Treasures of Nigeria’s Poultry

When most of us think about poultry, our minds often turn to chickens, the staple of farms and dinner tables worldwide. However, Nigeria is home to several other fascinating types of poultry beyond the humble chicken that have played significant roles in the country’s agriculture, culture, and economy. While these poultry species are firmly embedded in the Nigerian agricultural system, the history of how and when these animals came to be domesticated and where these populations originally derived from is often obscure. Recent research conducted by Dr. Adeniyi Charles Adeola of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and colleagues, has shed new light on three often-overlooked poultry species, the Muscovy duck, the domestic pigeon, and the helmeted guinea fowl. These birds not only offer valuable genetic resources but also hold keys to food security, sustainable farming, and biodiversity conservation.

12 min
3D AGO

Evaluating the Impact of University Chaplains: A Two-Phase Research Study

Research from Dr Christopher W. B. Stephens and Sue Miller at the Susanna Wesley Foundation, Southlands College, Roehampton, reveals how university chaplains can effectively evaluate and demonstrate their impact within higher education institutions. Their work shows how chaplains can meet institutional demands for accountability while maintaining the unique spiritual and pastoral nature of their work, offering insights into evaluating the distinctive aspects of chaplaincy services.

12 min
APR 11

Plant-Based but Powerful: The Hidden Interactions Between Kratom and CBD

In recent years, natural products such as kratom, which derives from a Southeast Asian tree called Mitragyna speciosa, and cannabidiol (or CBD) which derives from the Cannabis plant, have gained significant popularity for their potential to relieve anxiety, manage pain, and enhance mood. While both substances are often praised by users for their plant-based origins, and are often considered safer than synthetic pharmaceuticals as a result, the scientific community is working to uncover the complexities behind how these compounds interact, not just with the human body but with each other. After all, plant-based compounds are still active, and have the same potential for benefit and harm as any drug. People who use kratom are also more likely to use CBD, meaning that they could potentially experience a drug interaction if both substances are ingested around the same time. A recent study by Dr. Erin Berthold and her colleagues at the University of Florida sheds new light on the pharmacokinetic interactions between kratom and CBD, revealing findings that are both fascinating and important for public health.

9 min
APR 11

The Brain’s Hidden Switches: The Power of Ultrasound in Neural Modulation

We think of our brains as safe and secure within our skulls, and not easily influenced unless we consume a mind-altering substance, suffer a traumatic injury or undergo invasive brain surgery. However, recent research shows that our brain activity can be influenced non-invasively using nothing but sound and that this technique could have therapeutic potential. As a postdoctoral researcher at UC Berkeley, Dr. Ben Sorum began to think about these types of question while in the Lab of Dr. Stephen G. Brohawn. Now, Dr. Sorum’s current research at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University explores how ultrasound, which can be non-invasively administered from outside the brain and through the skull, can activate specialized proteins in brain cells, changing their activity. The technique, if further developed, may play a key role in the future of neuromodulation, a field with enormous potential for treating neurological disorders.

10 min
APR 9

The Power of Plants: Making the Most of Plant-Based Proteins

In recent years, plant-based diets have gained significant traction, not just among vegetarians and vegans but also among individuals looking to improve their health and reduce their environmental impact. Increasing public awareness of the role of animal food production in driving climate change, along with the potential health risks of consuming large amounts of animal foods has powered this phenomenon. However, one of the ongoing debates in nutrition revolves around protein, a crucial nutritional component, and the nutritional quality of various protein sources. Can plant-based protein sources provide sufficient, high-quality protein compared with animal-based protein sources in the context of a dietary pattern? The question relates to consumer awareness and education, as not all plant proteins are created equal, and replacing meat, diary, and other animal proteins with just one or two plant protein sources may not provide everything we need nutritionally. Rather, a mix of plant protein sources may be required as an adequate replacement for high quality animal protein. As consumers increasingly replace animal proteins with plant proteins, potentially without awareness of these issues, is the overall quality of the protein they are consuming decreasing? Dr. Christopher Marinangeli of Protein Industries Canada and his colleagues set out to answer this question in their research on the effects of increasing plant protein intake on protein quality and nutrient consumption among U.S. adults.

9 min
APR 7

A new approach for detecting changes in word meaning over time

Words change their meanings over time, but tracking these changes has traditionally required painstaking manual analysis by linguists. In recent years, researchers have been using computational models to automatically detect when semantic change happens, and how much of a change has occurred. Recent research led by Associate Professor Nina Tahmasebi and her colleagues in the Change is Key! program introduces innovative computational methods for detecting qualitative features of semantic change, opening new possibilities for understanding language evolution at scale.

11 min
APR 2

Pressure Points: The Science of Performing When It Matters Most

Performing at your best when it matters most is something a lot of people struggle with. You can prepare for days, even weeks, but the moment you step on stage, walk into an interview, or face a big audience, things shift. Suddenly, what felt solid in practice starts to slip. I'm Dr. Oksana Komarenko. I teach at Ball State University, and I’m also an opera singer. I know what it’s like to face high-pressure moments. During my first major solo recital, my hands started shaking so badly I could barely control them. Everything I had rehearsed felt just out of reach. And I’m not the only one. Research shows that over 77 percent of performers experience the same thing when the pressure is on.

10 min

5

out of 5

2 Ratings

Listen to the story behind the science. SciPod boasts a rich reputation of bringing a new, authentic and easy communication style to lovers of science and technology. Best of all, you can listen for free! so what are you waiting for, click play and start enjoying. www.scipod.global

Creator

SciPod
Years Active

2019 - 2025
Episodes

515
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© SciPod
Show Website

SciPod