E15: Behind the experiments

In this episode, we talk about how social media algorithms can unintentionally promote inaccurate medical claims by giving preference to posts that receive a lot of engagement. This allows false claims to spread quicker than evidence-based information, which has a harmful impact on public health. Our discussion also highlights its importance of identifying and correcting false information, promoting health literacy, and supporting reliable, evidence-based medication information sources.

Our guest Laureta Gashi highlights different effects of Alcohol use disorder on males and females, importances and limitations of sex-specific research, and how these insights may improve prevention and treatment strategies. Furthermore, Laureta is an active student representative in our doctoral school, where she supports PhD students and promotes academic community engagement.

Why are bacteria evolving faster than our antibiotics? In this episode, we took a closer look at anti-microbial resistance. We talked about how organisms like Pseudomonas aeruginosa escape treatment, the need for novel anti-infectives, as well as the importance of drug discovery. From molecular mechanisms to real-world effects, this discussion connects science to global health concerns.

Are you curious about how nutrition affects the exercise induced oxidative stress reaction and recovery? Then listen now. In this episode, we explore how the body responds to intense training through oxidative stress and recovery. The discussion highlights the role of nutrition, especially polyphenols and carbohydrates, in managing exercise-induced oxidative stress, and improving recovery. We also talk about the study design, its key findings and real-world applications, and the researcher’s motivation and personal experiences behind this project.

What is it really like to do a PhD? In this episode, our Podcast team sits down to share their personal PhD journeys through laughter, honesty, and a few confessions. Our podcasters Hari, Anar and Ranjith talk about daily life, motivation, and what brings them here. Through honest reflections and candid conversations, they explore what it truly means to pursue a PhD from their own perspectives. Are you a PhD student? Then you’ll find this episode relatable!

In this episode, Dr. Feng Xian offers a broad and insightful overview of proteomics and its growing role across interdisciplinary research fields. He explains how proteomics represents the next step beyond genomics, providing a deeper understanding of how biology truly functions. By exploring the proteins that drive cellular processes, proteomics complements genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, delivering a real-time and functional perspective on complex biological processes.

This episode provides an engaging introduction to the future of sport science, focusing on musculoskeletal modelling. Alexander Pürzel, a PhD student in Sport Science at the University of Vienna and former Austrian national powerlifter, explains what musculoskeletal modelling is, how it works and how it can support safer training and improve rehabilitation. How can digital models help us to understand strength training? Curious? Then dive straight into Alexander’s podcast!

What should you do if your PhD research leads to null results? Join Dr. Marietta Zille, Assistant Professor at the University of Vienna, as she shares her experiences of navigating the challenges and value of inconclusive data. From managing shifting expectations to building resilience, this episode explores the hidden impact of null research on academic careers.

How do you build a fulfilling academic career after your PhD? Join Daniel as he shares his journey from professor in Mexico to postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Vienna in Austria. He is offering advice, personal stories and global perspectives to help you navigate your own academic path.

Think a PhD is all lab work and papers? Bogi, a PhD student from the University of Pécs, spent 3 months at our university - and proved you can travel, explore, and still get research done. Tune in to hear how she made it all work!