#128 Framing Problems, Finding Solutions: Data Science and Tabular AI with Dr. Gaël Varoquaux

Gaël Varoquaux, co-founder of scikit-learn and research director at Inria, joins us to talk about AI for data stored in tables – the kind that runs healthcare, finance and much of science. We discuss table foundation models, why cleaning data is never neutral, how to frame a problem, why AI safety is an industrial safety question, and what Europe should keep and borrow when doing science. Plus a pub quiz question about the road from quantum physics to AI. Listen until the end!USEFUL LINKSMore about Gaël Varoquaux: https://gael-varoquaux.info/about.htmlscikit-learn: https://scikit-learn.orgProbabl: https://probabl.aijingle track (get it) provided by mobygratis.Support the show

Her collaboration with Drew Weissman led to the development of the mRNA vaccines and her story is a testament to perseverance and going against all odds: this month Hanna talked to Dr. Katalin Karikó. In the podcast, we discuss RNA research, but also creativity, learning, reading, academia vs. industry and Katalin's next goals (they are truly impressive). If you have time for only one podcast episode this month, this should be the one.USEFUL LINKSKatalin's book: Breaking Through: My Life in Science: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/123025953-breaking-throughI Was Considered Nobody - The Leap Podcast with Katalin Karikó: https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/the-leap-i-was-considered-a-nobody/Breaking the Wall of Genetic Barriers at Falling Walls Science Summit: https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3Dxna7I3u6zJg&ved=2ahUKEwinj5Wd8_eWAxXAA9sEHRAFCCMQtwJ6BAgsEBI&usg=AOvVaw0rynZcMVymYELk3VA_VQcMMore about the Nobel Prize  Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman got: https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/2023/kariko/facts/jingle track (get it) provided by mobygratis.Support the show

In our fast-paced world, sleep often takes a backseat to our busy schedules. But what exactly is it and what compounds help us fall asleep or keep awake? In the latest episode of our podcast, we talked with Ulf Ellervik, a Swedish professor of bio-organic chemistry at Lund University and the author of 'The Science of Sleep.' As we explore the various stages of sleep – light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep – Ulf explains how each phase plays a vital role in our overall health. For instance, deep sleep is essential for physical recovery, while REM sleep is crucial for memory consolidation and creativity.One of the most intriguing aspects of the discussion is the impact of modern inventions on our sleep patterns (also part of our usual pub quiz question!). Ulf notes that today, we sleep on average around two hours less than we did a hundred years ago – a figure widely cited in sleep research, though not without debate among some scientists.Caffeine, a common go-to for many, is also discussed in detail. Ulf explains how caffeine blocks adenosine receptors, which are responsible for making us feel sleepy. While it can provide a temporary boost in alertness, it does not alleviate sleep pressure. This means that while we may feel awake, our bodies still crave rest. The conversation also touches on the importance of understanding our circadian rhythms and the dangers of relying on sleep medications.Ulf Ellervik's insights are not only informative but also serve as a reminder to prioritise our sleep in a world that often encourages us to do more and rest less. Tune in now to discover how you can improve your sleep and overall well-being!USEFUL LINKSMore about Ulf Ellervik: https://portal.research.lu.se/en/persons/ulf-ellervik/Ulf Ellervik's 'Science of Sleep': https://www.amazon.com/Science-Sleep-Ulf-Ellervik/dp/1493093363jingle track (get it) provided by mobygratis.Support the show

Can neuroscience shed light on why some individuals choose to obey harmful orders while others risk their lives to save others? In this SciLux episode Prof. Emilie Caspar at Ghent University shares her groundbreaking field research in Rwanda and Cambodia, exploring the mechanisms of obedience and resistance during genocides.Throughout the episode, Emilie talks about her experiences of gaining trust within communities, working with NGOs, and the logistical hurdles of transporting EEG equipment to remote locations – all while making the case for the importance of field study. We also talk about the impact of empathy, sense of agency and the feeling of guilt, as well as the influence of group dynamics.USEFUL LINKSEmilie Caspar's blog: https://emiliecaspar.home.blog/Emilie's book 'Just Following Orders': https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/just-following-orders/678F06FDADFE89B9155F3A4907AB5660Milgram experiment: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milgram_experimentMore about Rwandan genocide in Jean Hatzfeld's book 'Machete Season': https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machete_Seasonjingle track (get it) provided by mobygratis.Support the show

Can a single drop of blood tell you whether you'll develop pancreatic cancer — before any symptoms appear? Prof. Eleonora Macchia is working to make that a reality. This week on SciLux, we dig into biosensors, the science of proteins, and the surprising path from organic transistors to clinical trials.What you'll learn:Why the proteome is medicine's great unknownHow current tests (ELISA, lateral flow) fail at ultra-low concentrations, and what SiMoT technology does differentlyWhat it actually means to detect a single molecule in a patient's blood sampleWhy AI in diagnostics is only as good as the physicist standing behind the dataHow chemometrics – AI's "old-fashioned cousin" –  underpins the whole approachKey Themes:Frontier research and ERC funding advocacySingle-molecule biosensing and the SiMoT technologyPreventive medicine vs. reactive diagnosisAI, chemometrics, and data qualityCircular health and multidisciplinary scienceGender balance in research careersGuest: Prof. Eleonora Macchia, University of Bari & Åbo Akademi UniversityUSEFUL LINKSMore about Prof. Eleonora Macchia: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tj6pKhAAAAAJ&hl=enERC Ambassadors: https://erc.europa.eu/news-events/news/network-ambassadors-erc-expandsMore about SiMoT: https://theanalyticalscientist.com/issues/2024/articles/apr/the-single-molecule-sensorUniversity of Bari: https://www.uniba.it/enÅbo Akademi University: https://www.abo.fi/en/jingle track (get it) provided by mobygratis.Support the show

This month SciLux sits down with Dr. Sophie Nuber, a Luxembourgish climate and marine scientist at the University of Washington and keynote speaker at the Young Women's Conference Luxembourg. Sophie specialises in using natural archives, including corals and foraminifera, to reconstruct historical climate data and better understand modern climate change.What you'll hear about:Marine archives and paleoclimate research – How coral skeletons and foraminifera shells preserve centuries of climate data, and why scientists rely on them to contextualise today's environmental changes.Understanding climate change through history – Sophie explains why historical climate perspective is essential: without knowing where we've been, we can't fully grasp how far we've deviated from natural norms.Climate communication and public emotion – Sophie addresses why climate science provokes fear, confusion, and denial – and how scientists can present evidence in ways that inform rather than overwhelm.A call to action – Sophie encourages listeners to engage with climate science critically and empathetically, seek credible sources, and understand that informed citizens are the foundation of effective climate policy.USEFUL LINKSSophie Nuber's profile: https://www.ocean.washington.edu/home/Sophie_NuberYoung Women's Conference Luxembourg: https://www.ywc.lu/More about La Benida Hui: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/archives/2025/05/24/2003837408An Inconvenient Truth, film written by Al Gore: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/An_Inconvenient_Truthjingle track (get it) provided by mobygratis.Support the show

In this episode, we sit down with Professor David Fernández Rivas from the University of Twente to talk about what engineering actually means – and why you don't need a formal qualification to think like one.Professor Rivas then takes us through microfluidics and the science of bubbles – and how both are opening doors in medicine, from needle-free injections to medical tattoos.We also talk about what it looks like when researchers take their work beyond the lab, and why Professor Rivas thinks there's a real responsibility to make sure discoveries actually reach the people who need them.Key themes:What engineering really means, and who gets to call themselves oneWhy modern science needs people who can work across fieldsMicrofluidics and its role in biomedical technologyThe science of bubbles and where it leadsNeedle-free injection systems – the challenges and the breakthroughsWhen scientists become entrepreneursUSEFUL LINKSDavid's website: https://david-fernandez-rivas.com/University of Twente: https://www.utwente.nl/en/David Fernández Rivas's Book: Empathic Entrepreneurial Engineering: https://empathic-engineering.com/Bubble Gun, EU-NWO funded projects: https://bubble-gun.eu/FlowBeams: https://flowbeams.com/Events: https://futureunderourskin.com/https://david-fernandez-rivas.com/initiatives-projects-fuos/Frozen Bubbles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-3Iy76DsDEjingle track (get it) provided by mobygratis.Support the show

Ever wondered why scientists keep talking about biodiversity? In this episode, Professor Ainhoa Magrach from Spain's BC3 Basque Centre for Climate Change reveals why diverse ecosystems are the foundation of everything.Think of biodiversity as nature's shock absorber. Professor Magrach uses a brilliant analogy: diversifying your ecosystem is like diversifying your investment portfolio – it protects against crashes. When heatwaves hit or droughts strike, diverse ecosystems bounce back while simplified ones collapse. That's not just good for nature; it's essential for human survival.You'll discover surprising facts about the hidden world of pollinators (did you know hummingbirds are crucial pollinators too?), learn why monoculture farming is biodiversity's enemy, and find out what practical steps farmers and citizens can take right now to make a difference.Key themes:The biodiversity-stability connection explained simplyWhy native species matter for your local ecosystemThe fascinating world of pollinators beyond honeybeesAgricultural practices that harm vs. help biodiversityWhat REDD+ means for forest conservationHow citizen science empowers everyday peopleYour power to influence environmental policyUSEFUL LINKSBasque Centre for Climate Change: https://www.bc3research.org/en/Ainhoa's website: https://www.ainhoamagrach.com/ iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/eBird: https://ebird.org/homejingle track (get it) provided by mobygratis.Support the show

The AI research landscape may be fracturing along geopolitical lines. What does this mean for European innovation?Professor Søren Hauberg from Danish Technical University tackles these questions in our latest episode, recorded live at EurIPS, a community-driven conference that made world-class AI research accessible to Europe by showcasing papers accepted at NeurIPS. The gap between machine learning research and deployment has collapsed to months, creating unprecedented opportunities. And that's why organising such a conference as EurIPS and having Søren on our show is very timely.Topics covered:European AI researchResearch-to-deployment pipelines in machine learningComputer vision vs. machine learningAcademia-industry partnerships in AI developmentAI ethics and rapid deployment risksPublic engagement and AI researchersERC Consolidator GrantRecorded live at the inaugural EurIPS conference, this conversation connects technical AI research with policy implications.USEFUL LINKSEurIPS: https://eurips.cc/NeurIPS: https://neurips.cc/More about Søren Hauberg: https://www2.compute.dtu.dk/~sohau/jingle track (get it) provided by mobygratis.Support the show

In this episode, we look into the complexities of endometriosis with Dr. Marina Kvaskoff, a researcher who works in the Epidemiology of Gynecological Health Team of the Center for Research in Epidemiology and Population Health in Villejuif, France. Dr. Kvaskoff explains what endometriosis is, how it affects women's lives, and the significant delay in diagnosis that many women face. She elaborates on the various symptoms, the impact on quality of life, and the misconceptions surrounding menstrual pain.Dr. Kvaskoff also discusses the importance of awareness and education regarding the menstrual cycle, as well as the need for better training for healthcare professionals. We explore the various treatment options available, the role of lifestyle adjustments, and the significance of research in understanding the disease. With insights into the current state of endometriosis research, including the challenges of funding and the importance of patient participation, this episode takes a closer look at a condition that affects approximately 1 in 10 women.USEFUL LINKSMore about Dr. Marina Kvaskoff: https://www.marinakvaskoff.com/index.php/en-us/Endometriosis Foundation: https://www.theendometriosisfoundation.org/World Endometriosis Society: https://www.worldendosociety.org/ESHRE, European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology: https://www.eshre.eu/Participate in the COMPARE endometriosis cohort: https://compare.aphp.fr/endometriose/EPHect, Endometriosis Phenome and Biobanking Harmonisation Project: https://ephect.org/WES Mentoring Programme: https://www.worldendosociety.org/mentoring-grants-awards/mentoringCaroline Criado-Perez "Invisible Women": https://carolinecriadoperez.com/book/invisible-women/jingle track (get it) provided by mobygratis.Support the show