News Bite - June 2023

Send us Fan MailThis week on Translational Conversations, we talk with Dr. Zoe Donaldson, a prairie vole researcher, and Dr. Katherine Shear, a human researcher, about how their work has inspired and influenced each other’s research on attachment bonding, love and loss, and the development of Prolonged Grief Disorder. In this episode, Dr. Donaldson and Dr. Shear discuss the role of the brain’s reward system in grief, how grief differs from depression, the special bonding of prairie voles that makes them an ideal species for studying grief, and how their complementary research has inspired novel treatments for Prolonged Grief Disorder. Their discussion further explores the bidirectional process of translational research, how to consider the language we use when communicating findings from different species, and ways we can build better bonds between researchers to advance scientific progress. We thank Dr. Zoe Donaldson, the Larry Gold Professor in the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Colorado Boulder and Dr. Katherine Shear, the Marion E. Kenworthy Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University and the founding Director of the Center for Prolonged Grief at Columbia School of Social Work, for their openness and willingness in discussing their research with us for this podcast.Translational Conversations is made possible through support from Biomedical Research Awareness Day, a program of Americans for Medical Progress and the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology.Resources & Links: Craving Love? Enduring grief activates brain’s reward center by Mary-Frances O’ConnorNeurobiology and treatment advances for prolonged grief disorder by Donaldson and ShearPrairie Voles as a model of adaptive reward remodeling following loss of a bonded partner by Sadino and Donaldson Support the showFollow Lab Rat Chat on X! Facebook! Instagram!https://twitter.com/thelabratchat https://www.facebook.com/labratchat https://www.instagram.com/thelabratchat All Lab Rat Chat episodes are edited by Audionauts: https://audionauts.pro/ 

Send us Fan MailIn this next installment of Translational Conversations, we talk with Dr. Danny Winder, a mouse researcher, and Dr. Jenni Blackford, a human researcher, about how their years of collaborations across species have revealed important insights into the different ways Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) can present in individuals. We hear about how their translational research process has led to significant scientific discoveries regarding the relevant brain circuits and sex differences that influence AUD. In this discussion, Dr. Winder and Dr. Blackford share the story behind the start of their collaboration, ways in which their work has inspired one another to explore new directions, and how their continued work together has culminated in the development of a multidisciplinary, cross-species center grant that brings together experts from several institutions around the country.We appreciate Dr. Danny Winder, the Neurobiology Department Chair and Worcester Foundation of Biomedical Research Professor at UMass Chan Medical School and Dr. Jenni Blackford, the Hattie B. Munroe Professor and Associate Dean of Research at the Munroe-Meye Institute of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, for joining us in this discussion on the translational research process, and for sharing their research and important perspectives.Episode Note: This episode was filmed in April, prior to a symposium that Drs. Blackford and Winder presented at a conference in May. In the episode, this symposium is referenced in the future tense as an example of ways that researchers across species can practice the translational process and improve collaborative efforts. Translational Conversations is made possible through support from Biomedical Research Awareness Day, a program of Americans for Medical Progress, and the American College of NeuropsychopharmacologyFollow Dr. Jenni Blackford on [email protected]@[email protected] Dr. Danny Winder on Bluesky and [email protected]://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-winder-609123187/Support the showFollow Lab Rat Chat on X! Facebook! Instagram!https://twitter.com/thelabratchat https://www.facebook.com/labratchat https://www.instagram.com/thelabratchat All Lab Rat Chat episodes are edited by Audionauts: https://audionauts.pro/ 

Send us Fan MailIn the second episode of the Translational Conversations special series, we talk with Dr. Millie Rincón-Cortés, a rodent researcher, and Dr. Lana Ruvolo Grasser Winters, a human researcher, about how their work in each species is important for examination of ways early life adversity influences the development of our brain and nervous system. Drs. Rincón-Cortés and Grasser Winters share how these complementary approaches help us better understand vulnerability for mental illness, discuss why translational research methods are important to incorporate from training throughout scientific careers, and emphasize the importance of advocacy and outreach to combat misinformation on animal-based biomedical research.We are grateful to Dr. Millie Rincón-Cortés, Assistant Professor in the Department of Neuroscience and School of Behavioral Brain Sciences from the University of Texas-Dallas and human researcher Dr. Lana Ruvolo Grasser Winters, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology and the Ben L. Silberstein Institute for Brain Health at Wayne State University for participating in this special series, and sharing openly their research and perspectives.Translational Conversations is made possible through support from Biomedical Research Awareness Day, a program of Americans for Medical Progress, and the American College of NeuropsychopharmacologySupport the showFollow Lab Rat Chat on X! Facebook! Instagram!https://twitter.com/thelabratchat https://www.facebook.com/labratchat https://www.instagram.com/thelabratchat All Lab Rat Chat episodes are edited by Audionauts: https://audionauts.pro/ 

Send us Fan MailIntroducing the first episode in a special series - Translational Conversations: From Model to Medicine. Hear from Dr. Ned Kalin, a nonhuman primate researcher, and Dr. Melissa Brotman, a clinical researcher, about how parallel and collaborative animal and human research studies help us better understand anxiety and irritability in youth and develop novel, effective, treatments. Drs. Kalin and Brotman discuss the unique contributions of their approaches, how the translational research process manifests in their own work, and ways scientists of all kinds can approach advocacy for the importance of animal-based biomedical research.We'd like to thank Dr. Ned Kalin, Hedberg Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Dr. Melissa Brotman, Chief of the Section on Neuroscience and Novel Therapeutics at the National Institute of Mental Health, for their openness and participation!Translational Conversations is made possible through support from Biomedical Research Awareness Day, a program of Americans for Medical Progress, and the American College of NeuropsychopharmacologyResources & Links: When the science alone is not enough: embracing our responsibility as science communicators ​Support the showFollow Lab Rat Chat on X! Facebook! Instagram!https://twitter.com/thelabratchat https://www.facebook.com/labratchat https://www.instagram.com/thelabratchat All Lab Rat Chat episodes are edited by Audionauts: https://audionauts.pro/ 

Send us Fan MailHold onto your lab coats as we delve into the astonishing medic skills of the Matabelle ants and their natural antibiotics, a discovery with implications that could ripple through human healthcare. We'll chuckle together at AI's attempts at artistic genius and its more practical uses in the operating room, and then ponder the ethical maze surrounding a pioneering pig liver medical procedure. Allergies got you sniffling? We've got the scoop on how nanoparticles might be the game-changer we've been sneezing for, thanks to groundbreaking research from Northwestern University. While we're at it, let's not forget about the superhero in the room: breast milk. Discover how this liquid gold is rewriting the rulebook on infant immunity. Prepare to be both enlightened and entertained as we merge cutting-edge science with hearty humor throughout our latest episode.Sign up for the Lab Rat Chat newsletter!https://www.amprogress.org/raising-voices/lab-rat-chat/                               Resources & Links:These Ants Can Diagnose and Treat Their Comrades' Infected Wounds | Smart News| Smithsonian MagazineAn experiment shows how pigs might one day help people with liver failure | AP NewsMouse Study Hints at New, Safe Way to Counter Allergies (usnews.com)Study In Mice Uncovers New Protective Benefit of Breast Milk | Johns Hopkins | Bloomberg School of Public Health (jhu.edu)Support the showFollow Lab Rat Chat on X! Facebook! Instagram!https://twitter.com/thelabratchat https://www.facebook.com/labratchat https://www.instagram.com/thelabratchat All Lab Rat Chat episodes are edited by Audionauts: https://audionauts.pro/ 

Send us Fan MailEver felt curious about the behind-the-scenes of animal research and the fascinating technologies being leveraged? Well, strap in as we embark on an enlightening journey, unveiling the intriguing world of animal research and its advancements through the lens of CRISPR-Cas9. We're discussing how a team at the University of Basel is revolutionizing gene-editing to minimize the use of mice in muscle disease studies. Our discussion doesn't stop at gene editing! We dive into the nitty-gritty of how Harvard Medical School researchers are utilizing cells to control excessive muscle inflammation. We'll unpack how this could potentially assist elderly individuals in maintaining endurance and muscle tone for longer. We spice it up a notch with a captivating study showcasing how rats are trained to visualize routes and tasks in a virtual reality environment. We're not just discussing the science, we're exploring its fascinating implications on animal behavior and focus.We conclude on a thrilling note, calling out to our listeners for exciting future guest suggestions and more engaging content. Keep your ears open for news about giveaways and bonus content. Sign up for the Lab Rat Chat newsletter!https://www.amprogress.org/raising-voices/lab-rat-chat/                                  Resources & Links:Win-win in muscle research: Faster results and fewer laboratory animals thanks to new method | ScienceDailyImmune Cells Control Mouse Muscle Inflammation During Exercise | American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)Can rats 'imagine'? Rodents show signs of imagination while playing VR games | Live ScienceWant the secret to less painful belly flops? These researchers have the answer | ScienceDailySupport the showFollow Lab Rat Chat on X! Facebook! Instagram!https://twitter.com/thelabratchat https://www.facebook.com/labratchat https://www.instagram.com/thelabratchat All Lab Rat Chat episodes are edited by Audionauts: https://audionauts.pro/ 

Send us Fan MailNews Bites are monthly episodes where Danielle and Jeff break down important topics surrounding the field of biomedical research (and some unrelated topics).In this News Bite edition, Jeff and Danielle discuss:Ever wondered if taurine could be the secret to longevity and health span? We got curious and decided to investigate. With insights from animal studies, we explore if taurine could help combat obesity, inflammation, blood pressure, and type two diabetes.  Brace yourselves as we step into the future of medical technology, celebrating the astonishing strides made in organ transplants. From its history to the success of the two most recent transplants, we unpack it all. And just when you thought it couldn't get any more fascinating, we talk about the potential use of viruses found in animal poop in treating diabetic foot ulcers. Buckle up for this thrilling journey, and don't forget to connect with us on social media for more exciting content. Thanks for listening, and we promise to be back with more episodes soon!Sign up for the Lab Rat Chat newsletter!https://www.amprogress.org/raising-voices/lab-rat-chat/                                          Resources & Links:Taurine may help slow the aging process, new animal study shows (medicalnewstoday.com)Viruses Found in Animal Poop May One Day Treat Diabetic Foot Ulcers, Scientists Say (msn.com)Monkey survives for two years after gene-edited pig-kidney transplant (nature.com)Pregnancy hormones can make lasting changes to brains, lab mouse study shows : Shots - Health News : NPRSupport the showFollow Lab Rat Chat on X! Facebook! Instagram!https://twitter.com/thelabratchat https://www.facebook.com/labratchat https://www.instagram.com/thelabratchat All Lab Rat Chat episodes are edited by Audionauts: https://audionauts.pro/ 

Send us Fan MailLab Rat Chat - Episode 34 with Dr. Ben WylieGet ready to embark on a fascinating scientific journey with our esteemed guest, Dr. Ben Wylie.  We know you're curious about his career journey, his cutting-edge work in sarcoma research, and his innovative approach towards cancer treatment. So, we promise you an enlightening conversation that is sure to feed your curiosity and inspire your scientific spirit.In the first part of our conversation, Dr. Wylie takes us through his journey, from his childhood fascination with the natural world to his current role in cancer research at the Telethon Kids Institute. He opens up about his career transitions, his love for academic research, and the critical work his team is doing in pediatric sarcoma to utilize a biodegradable material to deliver immunotherapy during surgery. This approach, which targets invisible micrometastatic disease left behind during surgery, could potentially transform the landscape of post-surgical cancer treatment.The conversation takes an exciting turn towards veterinary research and the canine clinical trials to test the efficacy of their immunotherapy gel in dogs diagnosed with sarcoma.  We discuss what hopes to be very promising results from this trial and how it can hopefully be translated into the human world.  Stay tuned, and prepare for a thought-provoking ride into the world of scientific innovation.Purchase Lab Rat Chat merch and help support our podcast and biomedical research!https://labratchat.myteespring.co/Sign up for the Lab Rat Chat newsletter!https://www.amprogress.org/raising-voices/lab-rat-chat/Resources & Links:A surgically optimized intraoperative poly(I:C)-releasing hydrogel prevents cancer recurrence - PubMed (nih.gov)Sarcoma Translational Research | Telethon Kids InstituteWorld-first clinical trial in Perth could lead to breakthrough treatment for children with sarcoma - ABC NewsSupport the showFollow Lab Rat Chat on X! Facebook! Instagram!https://twitter.com/thelabratchat https://www.facebook.com/labratchat https://www.instagram.com/thelabratchat All Lab Rat Chat episodes are edited by Audionauts: https://audionauts.pro/ 

Send us Fan MailNews Bites are monthly episodes where Danielle and Jeff break down important topics surrounding the field of biomedical research (and some unrelated topics).In this News Bite edition, Jeff and Danielle discuss:New birth control injection for female catsMaking experiments more natural to better understand the brainWound healing ink and 3D-printed applicator pensPotential cause of chronic pain associated with long COVIDLinks to all these stories can be found belowIn this episode, we also tackle topics from tornadoes to termites and share our personal experiences with these natural disasters and the chaos that sometimes ensues. Don't miss out on this fascinating and fun-filled conversation!Sign up for the Lab Rat Chat newsletter!https://www.amprogress.org/raising-voices/lab-rat-chat/                                         Purchase Lab Rat Chat merch and help support the podcast and biomedical research!https://labratchat.myteespring.co/           Resources & Links:Scientists Develop New Birth Control for Female Cats—No Surgery Necessary | Smart News| Smithsonian MagazineLab mice go wild: making experiments more natural in order to decode the brain (nature.com)PAINTing a wound-healing ink into cuts with a 3D-printing pen - American Chemical Society (acs.org)Preclinical Research Deciphers the Roots of Chronic Pain in Long COVID | American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)Support the showFollow Lab Rat Chat on X! Facebook! Instagram!https://twitter.com/thelabratchat https://www.facebook.com/labratchat https://www.instagram.com/thelabratchat All Lab Rat Chat episodes are edited by Audionauts: https://audionauts.pro/ 

Send us Fan MailLab Rat Chat - Episode 33 with Dr. Alejando Torrado-PachecoWhat if psychedelics could hold the key to improving mental health? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Alejandro Torrado-Pacheco, a postdoc from Oregon Health Sciences University, as we journey through the world of psychedelics and their potential therapeutic applications. Alejandro shares his unique background, from growing up in Europe and studying physics, to ultimately transitioning into neuroscience and then behavioral neuroscience. We also learn about his current research in Dr. Bita Moghaddam's lab, which focuses on the fascinating potential of psychedelics to enhance mental well-being.Dr. Torrado-Pacheco provides valuable insights into the history of psychedelics, the importance of set and setting for these experiences, and how animal research can help us better understand their biological mechanisms. Don't miss this opportunity to learn about the potential therapeutic benefits of these fascinating compounds and how they could reshape our understanding of mental health treatment in the near future.Purchase Lab Rat Chat merch and help support our podcast and biomedical research!https://labratchat.myteespring.co/Sign up for the Lab Rat Chat newsletter!https://www.amprogress.org/raising-voices/lab-rat-chat/Resources & Links:Moghaddam Laboratory – Oregon Health & Science UniversityAcute psilocybin enhances cognitive flexibility in rats | Neuropsychopharmacology (nature.com)MAPS.org - Support Psychedelic Science - Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies - MAPSSupport the showFollow Lab Rat Chat on X! Facebook! Instagram!https://twitter.com/thelabratchat https://www.facebook.com/labratchat https://www.instagram.com/thelabratchat All Lab Rat Chat episodes are edited by Audionauts: https://audionauts.pro/