In this Mini-Mikkipedia Monday episode, Mikki unpacks the often-confusing concepts of glycemic index, glycemic load, and glycemic response — and why knowing the difference matters. While glycemic index tables are widely used, they don’t always translate into real-world eating, since lab conditions rarely reflect how we actually consume food. Mikki shares insights from her own postgraduate lab days, explains why portion size and food combinations change the picture, and highlights how

In this podcast we discuss the fear of death and suggest some strategies to alleviate this fear that have worked for us and others in the past. Whether it's the fear of your own death, of someone you love, even a pet dying - or the fear of your body being vulnerable after death, these are all common fears that people have been writing in to us for years. Now, as we say in the pod, we are not trained counsellors, and these strategies are only suggestions - so please, if you are struggling wi...

Dr Yvonne Couch, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.In this blog, Dr Yvonne Couch takes readers behind the scenes of organising the 7th Pre-Clinical Stroke Conference in Oxford. She shares the challenges of finding funding, juggling logistics, and managing endless details, while also highlighting moments of creativity and fun. With practical advice on sponsors, registration, talks, and the importance of injecting some light-hearted elements, the piece offers an engaging,

This episode explores how dreams have been understood across cultures and religions. In ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, dreams were treated as divine messages, with priests and dream books guiding interpretations. The Greeks and Romans also sought prophetic meaning in dreams, often consulting them before major decisions.In religious traditions, dreams play a central role: the Bible recounts Joseph’s and other prophetic dreams; in Islam, dreams are divided into true, false, and ordinary; while in

Send us a text Wine shimmers across the history of art: painted on Egyptian tomb walls, poured into Greek amphorae, celebrated in Roman mosaics, lifted in Renaissance chalices, and glowing in Impressionist picnics. In this episode of The Wine Lab, we follow its journey through image, poetry, and song, tracing how wine has carried sacred meanings, earthly joys, and artistic inspiration across millennia—ending with Pablo Neruda’s luminous Ode to Wine. 🍷 Glossary of Lesser-Known TermsAmp...

Feeding hay to livestock in the winter is very expensive, and often results in a sacrifice lot where manure gathers. At the same time, manure is considered gold because of its nutrient content, ability to supply organic matter, and to build soil life. In this second episode, Dr. Summer Thomas, education and outreach specialist with the Virginia Soil Health Coalition, takes us on a deeper dive into her research on the benefits of round bale grazing and how it pertains to the four core soil health

Edye Edens and Darshan Kulkarni from KLF discuss the pros and cons for clinical trial sites considering becoming backup sites. Key points include: Sponsor Perspective: Signing up as a backup site can give first access to trials and increase the likelihood of being selected, especially since not all primary sites meet recruitment targets. Sponsors may expect some commitment, including potential startup or maintenance costs while waiting. Site Perspective: Some sites may worry about being seen...

The synaptic connectome of most animals bears little resemblance to functional brain maps, but it can still predict neuronal activity, according to two preprints that tackle the puzzle in C. elegans.

Explore some of the rarest genetic features found in humans, such as extra rib bones, different colored eyes, red hair, gray eyes, and the elusive golden blood. Discover the rarity and potential evolutionary purposes of these unique traits.Timeline of Key Moments: 00:00 Intro 00:32 The Rarest Body Features (Part 1) 00:38 #10. Extra Rib 01:34 #9. Different Colored Eyes 02:45 #8. Gray Eyes 03:42 #7. Golden Blood 05:07 #6. Holy Ear 00:00: Intro00:32: The Rarest Body Features (Part

During the week of Aug. 26, 2025, we hear reports of tree scents, migrating nighthawks, and native bees. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of biomarkers in cardiovascular and liver diseases.Biomarkers are measurable indicators of a biological state that help detect disease, assess its severity, and predict its progression.By understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying these conditions, we can move closer to more effective and personalized treatments.

This episode explores the emerging field of sleep medicine through the lens of PhD research.Our guests delve into topics ranging from narcolepsy and neurodegeneration to pediatric sleep health and chronic orofacial pain.We examine the intersection of neuroscience, clinical care, and personal growth, highlighting both the challenges and rewards of pursuing a research career in this vital yet often overlooked area of healthcare.

Send us a text The laboratory safety landscape has transformed dramatically over the decades, yet many challenges persist in creating truly safe working environments. This eye-opening conversation between Dan Scungio and Sean Kaufman delves into the startling history of laboratory practices that once seemed normal but would horrify modern safety professionals. Dan shares shocking stories from his early career in the 1990s, when students were given "spit strings" to mouth-suction body fluids ...

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What’s the secret to turning a cutting-edge scientific breakthrough into a commercial biotech success? For every inspiring lab discovery, countless prototypes stall before ever reaching the market. The barriers? Securing the right beta testers, outmanoeuvring industry giants, and building teams who understand not just the science, but the user experience from bench to bedside. In this episode of the Smart Biotech Scientist Podcast, David Brühlmann welcomes Chervee Ho, CEO & Co-Founder of ...

Chocolate may fill grocery store shelves around the world, but the raw product that powers chocolate is far more selective. The majority of chocolate farms are found in West Africa and South America – just 20 degrees north or south of the equator. Each farm produces chocolate of a different flavor. Some cocoa tastes fruitier; others, more floral. Nutty. Earthy. Spicy. But what drives these different flavor profiles? And can it be recreated in a lab? A team led by scientists at the University of