Podcast
GLIMPSE Podcast
Hosted by MIT-PDA · EN
Reporting from the trenches of science
10episodes
Episodes
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Writing Science through History with Alan Lightman
Feb 11, 202100:29:07Tap to summarizeGLiMPSE returns with an archived interview from 2019 with physicist and author Alan Lightman, the John E. Burchard professor in MIT’s department of Media Studies and Writing. Lightman held posts in astrophysics at Cornell, Harvard, and MIT before turning to a lifelong love of words and an exploration of science as a writer. Since 1981, Lightman has published fiction and nonfiction work in essay, poem, and book form. As professor in the humanities, he led programmatic changes in MIT’s requirements and offerings for creative and science writing. Lightman joined Tim Fessenden to discusses science writing and science history, emphasizing how humanistic inquiry is not incidental to science but rather central to scientific practice and advances. Notes: Alan Lightman’s faculty webpage, including descriptions of his books Einstein’s Dreams and The Discoveries New York Times interview with Lightman in 2020 on his book Einstein’s Dreams. MIT’s Graduate Program in Science Writing Work by Ray Kurzweil on the singularity MIT president Charles Vest 1978 Nobel Prize in Physics for the discovery of cosmic background radiation by Penzias and Wilson Episode transcript here Music Credits: “Over Under”, “Allada” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Transcribe →When cells lose their balance with Angelika Amon
Mar 9, 202000:40:34Tap to summarizeThis episode was recorded live in collaboration with Harvard University’s Science In The News for their Science by the Pint series. Together we hosted MIT professor Angelika Amon at Saloon Davis Square, where she shared her lab’s work on chromosome imbalance and cancer. She gave an overview of her lab’s impressive work in this area, then answered questions from Tim on the GLiMPSE team before fielding questions from our live audience gathered at the bar. Science by the Pint is a free science cafe that brings Boston area research professors, along with their lab members, into local bars to chat about their research with the public: http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/science-by-the-pint/ Special thanks to Christopher Rota from Science In The News for his help putting this event together! —- Amon lab at MIT: https://biology.mit.edu/profile/angelika-amon/ Paper on the fitness costs of aneuploidy: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ccell.2016.12.004 Paper on the mutability caused by aneuploidy: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2017.03.021 Paper on immune sensing and clearance of aneuploid cells: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.devcel.2017.05.022 Angelika mentioned a paper from Jeanne Lawrence’s lab at UMass Worcester during audience Q and A. In this work the authors studied a unique stretch from the human X chromosome that allows it to be silenced. They moved this stretch of DNA onto the extra chromosome 21 in cells from patients with Down Syndrome, and they found that it silenced this extra chromosome and that this silencing reversed the effects on cellular behaviors seen in Down Syndrome: https://www.nature.com/articles/nature12394 Big thanks to Saloon Davis Square for hosting us! Music Credits: “Over Under”, “Allada” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Transcript of this episode: Amon podcast transcript
Transcribe →Living Droplets with Phil Sharp
Nov 20, 201900:23:20Tap to summarizeIn this episode Tim chats with Phil Sharp, Nobel laureate, Institute Investigator at MIT and member of the Biology Department as well as the Koch Institute. Phil confronted the question of how large protein complexes assemble inside of cells nearly 30 years ago, but had no way to address it at that time. He tells us why he left the question unanswered, and then returned to it so many years later. Phil encourages us to consider how the physics insights of liquid phase separations can help biologists understand fundamental properties of cells. This is the first of three episodes in our Living Droplets series. Many important processes inside cells involve huge “supercomplexes” of hundreds to thousands of proteins (and sometimes other things like RNA), that carry out many biochemical processes from gene transcription to nuclear transport to microtubule nucleation. While biologists have learned a lot about their functions, in many cases the factors that caused their formation or dissolution are not understood. These big big complexes often appear as aggregates that are separated from their surroundings but retain properties of a liquid. Inside cells, these appear similar to the way vinegar forms separate droplets inside of olive oil (before you dunk some bread in it). Now interdisciplinary investigations are using some very old physics to explore the physical properties of biological liquids, on which cells rely to make their components work together efficiently. Papers discussed in this episode: RNA interference discovery by Andy Fire and Craig Mello. This work demonstrated that double stranded RNA induced potent and specific reduction in expression of a target gene. RNA interference mechanism paper by Phil Sharp and David Bartel, showing how double stranded RNA is processed inside the cell and then binds to its target sequences in messenger RNA. The discovery by Cliff Brangwynne and Tony Hyman that subcellular bodies of protein and RNA the worm Caenorhabditis elegans are actually liquids. See also this perspective. Perspective paper published by Cell in 2017 by Phil Sharp’s lab with the labs of Rick Young and Arup Chakraborty, in which they propose that transcription machinery assembles on genes as a phase separated condensate. Three papers published together in Science in July 2018: Demonstration that the activator proteins that coassemble at gene promoters behave as liquids by the labs of Rick Young, Phil Sharp, and Ibrahim Cisse. Demonstration using live super-resolution microscopy of the coactivator protein Mediator and RNA polymerase II showing they form stable condensates at gene promoters by the Cisse lab. Not mentioned in the interview: Here the labs of Robert Tjian, Xavier Darzacq (from UC Berkeley) and Luke Lavis (from Janelia Research Campus) investigate the protein domains of transcription-related factors that accomplish their liquid-like behaviors inside cells. They show how regions called low-complexity domains coalesce at gene promoters. Stress granules in yeast. A different context from that shown above is provided by yeast biologist Allan Drummond, also not mentioned in this episode. His lab has found that upon stress by heat or low pH, the cytoplasm inside yeast quickly transitions to a solid. This transition is an adaptive response that is critical for yeast to tolerate these environmental stresses. Music Credits: “Over Under”, “Allada” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) “Time Out” by Florio Time DJ. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Transcript for this episode: Phil Sharp transcript
Transcribe →Cells: A Genetic Blueprint or Molecular Machines?
Nov 7, 201900:38:55Tap to summarizeCells: A Genetic Blueprint or Molecular Machines? In this episode, Tim and Max interview two MIT professors for a live event with Taste of Science Boston. Taste of Science is a nationwide science communication festival that brings scientists into bars and cafes to talk about their research with the public and answer questions in a friendly, casual atmosphere. The GLiMPSE team collaborated with Taste of Science to turn one of their Boston events into a live GLiMPSE episode. Many thanks are due to the Taste of Science Boston team, and to Nightshift Brewing for kindly hosting us. —- Find out about Taste of Science Boston here, or visit the website for this event here. Visit Salil Garg’s lab website or find them on Twitter. Selected papers from the Garg Lab: “Single-cell variability controlled by microRNAs” “Networks of enhancers and microRNAs drive variation in cell states” Visit Iain Cheeseman’s lab website or find him on Twitter. Selected papers from the Cheeseman Lab: “A mitotic SKAP isoform regulates spindle positioning at astral microtubule plus ends” “A Regulatory Switch Alters Chromosome Motions at the Metaphase-to-Anaphase Transition” ——– Transcript for this episode: Cell Biology Live transcript Music Credits: “Over Under”, “Allada” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ “Arizona Moon”, “El Tajo”, “Rue Severine”, “Vernouillet”, “Diatom”, “Bangolet”, “Mandel” by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)
Transcribe →Invent with Bob Langer
Jul 24, 201900:12:10Tap to summarizeIn the previous episode (“Better Questions”), we sat down with MIT Institute Professor Bob Langer and explored his story through the lens of revolutionary questions. But that’s just one side of the innovation coin. Asking better questions, that points a researcher in the right direction, but to deliver an answer, you must invent. In part 2, we delve into the factors that contribute to the incredible productivity of Bob and his interdisciplinary team. Episode Transcript For more information please visit: https://langerlab.mit.edu/ https://ki.mit.edu/people/faculty/langer Episode by Maxwell Robinson ——– Sound Effect Credits: bbc.co.uk – © copyright 2019 BBC Music Credits: “Over Under”, “Allada” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ “Filmore”, “Coronea”, “Rue Severine”, “Bangolet”, “Tarte Tatin” by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)
Transcribe →Better Questions with Bob Langer
Jul 10, 201900:11:09Tap to summarizeBob Langer is one of ten Institute Professors at MIT. His numerous innovations in materials used in medicine have had a significant positive impact on the world. In the first of a two-part series, we examine Bob’s story through the context of the revolutionary questions he has asked. Episode Transcript For more information please visit: https://langerlab.mit.edu/ https://ki.mit.edu/people/faculty/langer Episode by Maxwell Robinson ——– Music Credits: “Over Under”, “Allada” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ “Tanguedo”, “Tarte Tatin”, “Vernouillet”, “Coronea” by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)
Transcribe →Turning Waste into Wealth with Rozzeta Dolah
Jun 18, 201900:15:11Tap to summarizeThis episode is with Dr Rozzeta Dolah, a postdoctoral fellow in Prof Rohit Karnik’s Microfluidics and Nanofluidics Research Laboratory at MIT. Her work revolves around process optimization in renewable energy field focusing on converting waste from palm oil production into biofuels using the Taguchi method. This effort is part of Malaysia’s plan to turn 95 million tons of palm oil production waste into bio-fuel, technology development and science education. Back in March 2019, Rozzeta was the president of the MIT Posdoctoral Association. I met her at the MIT Postdoc Alumni Homecoming 2019 event and had to interview her before she went home to Malaysia to continue her work at Razak Faculty of Technology and Informatics in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). During our interview we discussed her PhD with Prof. Zenichi Miyagi and Shin Taguchi (son of the Taguchi Method creator) at Meiji University, Japan. This training set her up to tackle optimization of reactor conditions and design to ensure efficient conversion of palm oil waste into biofuel. We also wanted to help promote a recent effort called The Women in STEM Database at MIT (WiSDM). This is an initiative designed to promote the visibility of women at MIT by providing a curated online database of MIT women, making it easier to find talented and diverse speakers for conference talks, panels, news stories, and outreach events. If you are faculty, postdoc, research staff, or a graduate student from any STEM field join the growing list of WiSDM today. If you’re looking for an expert speaker for your event, check out the WiSDM website and sign up for the newsletter. For more information please contact Ritu Raman. Episode by Alex Albanese For more information please visit: http://razak.utm.my/ https://people.utm.my/rozzeta/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ts-dr-rozzeta-dolah-ceng-miet-91951b47 https://www.facebook.com/rozzeta.dolah https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rozzeta_Dolah ——– Music Credits: “Allada” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ “Olli: Pyjama Beats Demo” by VHSParadise, Trashton, and Navienta
Transcribe →Defining Neuroethics with Ed Boyden
Jun 5, 201900:21:30Tap to summarizeIn the previous episode (“Getting the Data”), we learned about the many neuroscience tools Prof. Ed Boyden (MIT Media Lab, McGovern Institute) and his team have invented and disseminated to control, map, and observe the brain. In this second episode, join GLiMPSE for a discussion of the ‘illusion of reductionism’ in biology, new developments in neuroethics, and Ed’s techniques for solving difficult problems. For more information please visit: http://syntheticneurobiology.org/ https://mcgovern.mit.edu/profile/ed-boyden/ Episode by Maxwell Robinson ——– Music Credits: “Over Under”, “Allada” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ “Arizona Moon”, “El Tajo”, “Rue Severine”, “Vernouillet”, “Diatom”, “Bangolet”, “Mandel” by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)
Transcribe →Getting the Data with Ed Boyden
May 22, 201900:23:26Tap to summarizeEd Boyden is a professor in the MIT Media Lab (Synthetic Neurobiology) and McGovern Institute. He’s developed several revolutionary tools for researchers, including optogenetics — for controlling neurons — and expansion microscopy — for generating molecular models of brain circuits. Furthermore, he’s currently creating high fidelity technologies for monitoring brain activity, in situ. In this first episode of a two-part series, Ed sheds light on the origins, mechanisms, and many applications of these groundbreaking neural tools. For more information please visit: http://syntheticneurobiology.org/ https://mcgovern.mit.edu/profile/ed-boyden/ Episode by Maxwell Robinson ——– Music Credits: “Over Under”, “Allada” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ “OneEightFour”, “PedalRider”, “Welcome Home Sonny”, “Two in the Back”, “Longtime Rye”, “Three Stories”, “Rodney Skopes”, “Elmore Heights” by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)
Transcribe →Postdoc Reunion Afterparty: Brent Grocholski
Apr 10, 201900:21:29Tap to summarizeGLiMPSE joined forces with the MIT Postdoctoral Association for their Postdoc Homecoming on March 15, 2019. Our own founder Alex moderated a discussion with a distinguished panel of former MIT postdocs about their experiences. As the event wound down, Tim sat down with panelist Brent Grocholski, who currently serves as an editor at Science specializing in Earth sciences. We discuss diamond anvils, perovskites that are not in solar panels, and the manuscripts that keep Science editors up at night. Learn more about the Postdoc Homecoming Learn about perovskite crystals inside the Earth Episode by Tim Fessenden ——– Music Credits: “Over Under”, “Allada” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
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