864: Investigating How Brain Inflammation May Contribute to Compulsivity - Dr. Laura Bradfield
In this episode, Dr. Laura Bradfield, a senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Sydney, discusses her research on how neuroinflammation in the brain may drive compulsive behaviors across disorders such as OCD, substance use, Parkinson's and Huntington's disease. She explains that inducing inflammation in animal models—particularly in the hippocampus and striatum—reveals sex‑specific effects and points to potential treatments, like hormone‑modulating strategies for the hippocampus and boosting acetylcholine in the striatum. Bradfield also shares her personal journey into neuroscience, her motivations to translate basic findings into therapeutic insights, and the challenges of balancing research, mentorship, and single‑parent life.
863: Developing Novel Materials with Wide Applications From Medicine to Manufacturing - Dr. Tim Long
In this episode, Dr. Tim Long, a chemistry professor and director of the Macromolecules Innovation Institute at Virginia Tech, discusses his research on designing novel macromolecular structures that impact fields ranging from chemotherapy to electroactive prosthetic devices. He emphasizes the...
862: Understanding How the Brain Battles Infection - Dr. Tajie Harris
In this episode, Dr. Marie McNeely talks with Dr. Tajie Harris, an associate professor of neuro‑immunology at the University of Virginia, about how the immune system operates within the brain, focusing on infections by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Dr. Harris...
861: Engineering Novel Solutions for Data Storage and Energy Management in Electronics - Dr. Eric Pop
In this episode, Dr. Eric Pop, a Stanford professor and former Intel engineer, discusses his interdisciplinary work at the nexus of nanomaterials, electronics, and energy management. He explains how phase‑change materials enable low‑power data storage by toggling between amorphous and...
860: Making a Mechatronic Tremor Suppression Glove for People with Parkinson's Disease - Dr. Ana Luisa Trejos
In this episode, Dr. Ana Luisa Trejos, an associate professor at Western University, discusses her work in mechatronic systems engineering, focusing on a wearable glove designed to suppress hand tremors in Parkinson’s patients. She explains how the glove integrates lightweight sensors and...
859: Modeling How Ecological and Evolutionary Processes Drive Adaptation in a Changing World - Dr. Lawrence Uricchio
In this episode, Dr. Lawrence Uricchio, an assistant professor of biology at Tufts, explains how his lab uses mathematical modeling to understand ecological and evolutionary processes that shape species distributions and genetic variation in a changing world. He discusses the...
858: Studying New Cellular Mechanisms of Memory Involving Myelin - Dr. Douglas Fields
In this episode, Dr. Douglas Fields discusses his research on brain development and plasticity, emphasizing how experience shapes neural circuits and the newly discovered role of myelin in memory formation. He shares personal anecdotes about his hobbies—rock climbing, guitar building,...
856: Engineering Innovative Shoes to Help Feet Move Forward - Dr. Tyler Susko
In this episode, Dr. Tyler Susko, CTO of Cadence Inc. and professor at UCSB, discusses his journey from a math‑loving student to a robotics and rehabilitation engineer, culminating in the creation of a simple, low‑cost adaptive shoe that replaces complex...
855: Working to Purify and Preserve Our World's Water Supply - Dr. David Sedlak
In this episode, Dr. David Sedlak discusses his work engineering innovative water treatment solutions, from advanced chemical degradation processes to nature‑based subsurface wetlands integrated with flood‑control levees. He shares personal stories that shaped his career, emphasizing the importance of asking...
844: Applying Physics and Nanotechnology to Understand Mechanics and Shape in Biological Systems - Dr. Sonia Contera
In this episode, Dr. Sonia Contera discusses how physics and nanotechnology can illuminate the mechanics and shape of biological systems, from molecular assemblies to whole organs. She explains her interdisciplinary approaches—such as nanoscale imaging and mechanical probing—to study pancreatic tumors,...