Neuroscience and Beyond

Walk into a room and you instantly know, roughly, how many people are there, without counting. So does a monkey. So does a crow. So, strangely enough, does a bee! In this episode, Andreas Nieder - Professor of Animal Physiology at the University of Tübingen and one of the world's leading voices in cognitive #neuroscience - takes us inside the brain circuits that let humans and animals alike sense "how many." Nieder has spent his career recording single neurons in crows, macaques, and hu...

Could the nervous system be helping cancer grow? Research in #cancer #neuroscience is revealing a surprising two-way communication between neurons and cancer cells that is changing how we understand tumor growth and opening new possibilities for treatment. In this episode of Neuroscience and Beyond, we speak with Prof. Frank Winkler about how cancer cells hijack the brain's communication networks, why #glioblastoma is one of the most challenging brain tumors to treat, and how discoveries at t...

What is sleep really? Why do we overthink? And why do so many people struggle to find peace in modern life? In this episode of Neuroscience and Beyond, I speak with Dr. Tony Fernando - psychiatrist, sleep physician, and author of Life Hacks from the Buddha. We explore the neuroscience of sleep, including REM and non-REM sleep, circadian rhythms, insomnia, sleep anxiety, shift work, jet lag, and how stress affects sleep quality. But this conversation goes far beyond sleep science. Drawing from...

Are we evaluating scientists in the wrong way? In this episode of Neuroscience and Beyond, Prof. Dr. Tiago Outeiro discusses some of the biggest challenges facing science: 🔬 Too many researchers competing for too few positions 📉 Pressure to publish and overreliance on impact factors 🤝 The urgent need for more staff scientists and stable research careers ⚖️ Burnout, work-life balance, and changing academic culture 🚀 How AI and new technologies may reshape scientific research “We need to work t...

Your eyes don't see the world; your brain constructs it. But how, and what does it miss along the way? In this episode of Neuroscience and Beyond, we speak with Prof. Nicole Rust, Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, whose research combines behavioral experiments, #neural recordings, and #computational models to understand how we see, remember, and experience the world. Recently, she decided to embark on a new journey and apply her expertise to study the neurosci...

Does international representation automatically mean #diversity in academia? In this episode, Dr. Sven Truckenbrodt reflects on what diversity in science truly means, going beyond background to include different ways of thinking, working, and collaborating. We talked about: Why diversity is more than international representationThe importance of different thinking styles in scienceWhy interdisciplinary research is still difficult to achieveThe role of trust and open collaboration in successfu...

Can Parkinson’s be detected years before symptoms appear, and can we slow it down early? In this episode of Neuroscience and Beyond, we speak with Prof. Tiago Outeiro about the future of Parkinson’s research, from early diagnosis to prevention and emerging treatments. We explore how misfolded proteins like alpha-synuclein spread silently through the nervous system, and how early signals - such as REM sleep disturbances - may reveal the disease long before clinical symptoms. The conversation a...

Why do journal names still shape scientific careers, and who pays the price? Prof. Randy Schekman, a nobel prize laureate, discusses structural problems in #AcademicPublishing, including the pressure to publish in high-impact journals, rising #OpenAccess fees charged by commercial publishers, and long peer-review processes that can slow down scientific progress. He argues that the system can reward journal prestige over scientific contribution and may create inequalities when some researchers...

How can we map the brain’s wiring at molecular resolution, and what are the realistic promises and limits of connectomics? In this episode of Neuroscience and Beyond, we speak with Dr. Sven Truckenbrodt, group leader at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) in Cambridge, UK), where his lab investigates #brain wiring at the molecular level. With previous research experience at ISTA Austria and E11 Bio, he works at the intersection of #ExpansionMicroscopy, molecular labeling, and scalab...

Why is it becoming harder to build a stable career in science? Prof. Sauer reflects on structural pressures in academia: competitive #ResearchFunding, short-term contracts, and increasing administrative burdens. He discusses how evaluation metrics and grant systems shape career paths and may discourage long-term, high-risk research. He highlights the need for sustainable funding structures and realistic career prospects for early-career scientists. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusi...

How do you see structures inside cells that are smaller than the wavelength of light? Why was the diffraction limit considered an unbreakable barrier for decades, and how did super-resolution microscopy change everything? In this episode of Neuroscience and Beyond, we explore the frontiers of biological imaging with Prof. Markus Sauer, a pioneer of modern super-resolution microscopy. Prof. Sauer developed direct STORM (dSTORM), a technique that enables visualization of molecular organization ...

How do cells move cargo with such precision? What controls vesicle trafficking, and why does this process shape everything from cellular communication to disease? And what can extracellular vesicles really reveal about health, aging, and neurodegeneration? In this episode of Neuroscience and Beyond, Professor Randy Schekman, Nobel Prize Laureate in Physiology or Medicine, helps unpack these questions. He explains the molecular machinery behind vesicle trafficking, how these pathways were di...

Why is Alzheimer’s disease so difficult to treat and how is the brain’s immune system involved? Professor Michael Heneka, Director of the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, joins us to discuss key topics in #neuroinflammation and Alzheimer’s disease. We explore how inflammation shapes the progression of #neurodegeneration, why detecting Alzheimer’s early remains a challenge, and the surprising biological world of tunneling nanotubes-tiny bridges that let cells exchange materials and s...

What happens in our brain when we crave revenge - and how can forgiveness set us free? In this powerful conversation, we speak with James Kimmel Jr., a former lawyer, and currently an assistant clinical professor at the Yale School of Medicine, and author of The Science of Revenge, about the psychology and neuroscience behind revenge, addiction, and forgiveness. Drawing from his own story of childhood bullying and near-violence, Kimmel explains how these experiences led him from a 20-year l...

Prof. Kukushkin emphasises that the hardest part for scientists is figuring out what motivates them. He explains that the current system rewards high-profile publications controlled by a few for-profit corporations, steering research toward profit. Top-down structural change- from universities, governments, and leaders-is needed to restore creativity, integrity, and meaningful progress. What’s your biggest challenge in academia? Share your thoughts in the comments! 💬 Subscribe to our Yo...

Noise is more than just an irritation; it’s a global health and environmental issue. In this episode, we welcome Chris Berdik, science journalist and author of Clamor: How Noise Took Over the World and How We Can Take It Back. We explore how noise affects the body and brain, from sleep disruption and stress responses to hearing loss, dementia risk, and learning difficulties. We also talk about why designing better soundscapes (in schools, workplaces, hospitals, and cities) ...

Memory is more than just a function of neurons; non-neuronal cells can “remember” too. In this episode, we welcome Prof. Nikolay Kukushkin, Clinical Associate Professor of Life Science and research fellow at the Center for Neural Science, NYU, to discuss the fascinating science of memory. We explore how neurons and other cells store information and abstract ideas, why scientists study sea slugs to uncover the mechanisms of learning and memory, and the potential implications of cellular memory...

In our Problems in Academia series, we talk with scientists about the biggest challenges in research today and how the system could better support scientists at every level. In this episode, Raymundo Báez-Mendoza, PhD, group leader at the German Primate Centre, shares honest insights into the economics of science-from how funding models shape lab decisions to the growing imbalance between large and small research groups. Visit our Problems in Academia series to hear how leading scientists a...

In Episode 28 of Neuroscience and Beyond, we explore the neural basis of social behavior with Raymundo Báez-Mendoza Ph.D., #neuroscientist and group leader at the German Primate Centre. From understanding trust and cooperation to decoding fear and social distance, Báez-Mendoza’s work reveals how the #brain makes sense of our most fundamental social experiences. Bridging research in humans and non-human primates, his lab uses game theory, structured behavioral tasks, and neural recordings to i...

Dr. Verena Haage joins us for a deep and honest conversation about the systemic problems in academia, beyond just publishing or funding. We unpack the urgent need to rethink research culture, covering issues like: -Burnout, mental health, and unrealistic career expectations -The shortage of stable positions like staff scientists -Why retreats often miss opportunities for genuine connection Dr. Haage shares actionable ideas, such as creating peer spaces and a trust-based lab culture to rethin...

Did you know your brain has its own immune system? At its core are microglia - specialized cells that defend, maintain, and shape the brain throughout life. In Episode 27 of Neuroscience and Beyond, Dr. Verena Haage, guest scientist at Charité Berlin and co-founder of SciLead, joins us to learn how these once-overlooked cells are now revolutionizing our understanding of brain development, aging, and disease. This episode unpacks how advanced tools like single-cell RNA sequencing, #transcripto...

In the latest episode of Neuroscience and Beyond, Prof. Marcella Woud (Head of the Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology at the University of Göttingen) highlighted the real struggles in academia, from balancing clinical training with PhD research to the insecurity of short-term contracts and the lack of stable research roles. What’s your biggest challenge in academia? Share your thoughts in the comments! 💬 Subscribe to our channel @NeuroscienceBeyond for excl...

Why do some people recover from trauma, while others spiral into anxiety or depression? In Episode 26 of Neuroscience Beyond, we explore the psychological mechanics behind trauma and healing. Join us for an intriguing conversation with Prof. Marcella Woud, Head of the Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology at the University of Göttingen (@uniGoettingen). We discussed the fascinating link between how we interpret the world and how mental health conditions lik...

In our latest episode on the challenges in academia, we welcome Prof. Kwok as she dissects some of the most critical issues facing researchers today, including: Academic pressure and the instability of research careers.The “publish or perish” model and profit-driven journals.The oversupply of PhDs versus the limited academic positions.The reproducibility crisis in scientific research.Why leaving academia can be a valid—and valuable—career path. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for ex...

In our 25th episode, we're highlighting a fascinating and often overlooked area of neuroscience: the extracellular matrix of the brain. We are delighted to host Dr. Jessica Kwok, Associate Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Leeds, whose research is reshaping our understanding of memory, brain plasticity, and post-injury recovery. In this episode, you will learn: -What perineuronal nets (PNNs) are and their influence on brain function. -The surprising role of the ...

Professor Mani shares her perspective, acknowledging both the privileges of scientific research and the real challenges we face. We discuss the slow peer-review process, the high cost of open access, and the systemic resistance to change. While specific challenges vary across research fields, we can collectively improve the system through awareness and sustained action. What's your biggest challenge? Share your thoughts in the comments! Subscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive content a...

How Do We Learn Language? Ever wonder how babies learn language? We've got answers! Join us for a fascinating chat with Prof. Nivedita Mani from Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, as we uncover the secrets of infant language acquisition. In this episode of Neuroscience and Beyond, you'll learn: - How babies learn language: From attention and motivation to the impact of their egocentric world. - The crucial role of the environment: Why "language is a social beast" and how media can surprising...

In our latest episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Ali from Georg-August-Universität Göttingen about the challenges academics face! Ali highlights the complexities of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, their unintended consequences, and the need for structural reforms—particularly in education—to foster genuine equality. While well-intentioned, DEI policies can be manipulated for political agendas, potentially harming the very minorities they aim to support. Our discu...

In this episode, we hosted Dr. Ali Shaib, Group Leader at the Institute of Neurophysiology, University Medical Center Göttingen. We explored One-step Nanoscale Expansion (ONE) microscopy – revolutionary imaging technology transforming structural biology and diagnostics. Dr. Shaib shared how ONE microscopy enables the visualization of proteins at an unprecedented scale, and why neuronal receptors are such fascinating targets for structural studies. We also discussed how this technology has a p...

Prof. Holtmaat points out that the current academic publishing system creates a cycle where funding, research, and publications are tightly linked, making it difficult to break free from its constraints. Initiatives like bioRxiv are promising steps toward more open science and advocate for reducing the overemphasis on journal impact factors. However, the change requires coordinated efforts from universities, funding agencies, and the academic community. Ultimately, he emphasizes t...

Have you ever wondered how an idea born in a university lab can transform into a life-changing invention? Meet Dr. Lukas Krainer, a physicist who completed his PhD at the prestigious ETH University in Zürich and turned his research into a thriving entrepreneurial journey. He’s the visionary behind Prospective Instruments, a company revolutionizing imaging with flexible and portable Two-Photon microscopes—an essential tool in neuroscience and clinical diagnostics. In today’s episode, we’ll exp...

We are excited to introduce a brand-new series of our podcast called Challenges in Academia, where we will be exploring the challenges and hurdles faced in academia. In this new set of videos, we’ll be talking to academics from a wide range of backgrounds about the problems we all face in science — from research pressures to funding struggles, and much more. The goal of the new series is simple: raise awareness about these issues and, hopefully, spark conversations that lead to real sol...

In Episode 21 of Neuroscience and Beyond, we had the privilege of hosting Prof. Dr. Jörg Enderlein, a renowned physicist at the Third Institute of Physics, Georg August University in Göttingen. We explored the interplay between quantum mechanics and microscopy and discussed cutting-edge imaging technology advancements. 🎙️ Highlights of the episode include: 🔬 Key milestones in the development of microscopy 🔍 The relationship between spectroscopy and microscopy 💡 ...

Today, we have the pleasure of hosting Dr. Mateusz Ambrożkiewicz! He leads a lab at the Institute for Cell Biology and Neurobiology at Charité in Berlin, one of Europe’s largest university hospitals. Dr. Ambrożkiewicz’s lab studies how protein synthesis and degradation shape neuronal circuit assembly in a key brain region called the cortex, using advanced genetic tools and interdisciplinary approaches. His research sheds light on brain development and neurological disorders, including microce...

In this episode, we’re honoured to host Prof. Dr. Ed Boyden, a pioneering neuroscientist, inventor, entrepreneur and MIT professor who is widely known for his immense contribution to life sciences, especially to the field of neuroscience. Prof. Boyden holds nearly 300 patents and leads advancements in neural technology, from optogenetics to expansion microscopy. These innovative tools are significantly advancing our understanding of the brain, and driving groundbreaking neuroscience discoveri...

In this episode, we have the distinct privilege of speaking with Prof. Peter Dayan, director at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics in Germany. Prof. Dayan is renowned for using methods from machine learning to understand brain function, particularly linking neurotransmitter levels to prediction errors and uncertainty. His pioneering work in reinforcement learning and co-development of the Q-learning algorithm, have shaped the field of computational neuroscience in profound wa...

Do you know how aptamers are revolutionizing brain research! How can you accurately distinguish between dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline in a biological fluid filled with countless other molecules? Join us as we explore the exciting world of aptamers with Prof. Nako Nakatsuka from the Laboratory of Chemical Nanotechnology (CHEMINA) at Neuro_X_EPFL. Nako’s pioneering research is reshaping how we detect chemicals in the brain and diagnose neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’...

Join us for an exciting conversation with Sandy Rathod, PhD, CEO of NeuroReality! In this episode, we explore the exciting world of neurotechnology with a focus on virtual reality as a cognitive rehabilitation approach. We discuss the potential of VR for cognitive enhancement and educational purposes and gain valuable perspectives on building successful collaborations with clinicians and the strategies behind developing such a product. Sandy shares her valuable experience in academia and the ...

In this episode, we talk to Prof. Anthony Holtmaat, a leading researcher in the field of learning and memory from Geneva University Neurocenter. Join us as we explore the substrates of learning and memory, imaging techniques such as two-photon microscopy, synapses, the importance of the thalamus, and even the possibility of inserting false memories. Tune in to this enlightening episode and gain fresh perspectives on the inner workings of our remarkable brains! Our channel is supported by Int...

Today's episode explores a critical topic: animal experiments in research. We're thrilled to have Dr. Roman Stilling with us. Dr. Stilling completed his Ph.D. at the European Neuroscience Institute in 2013 and went on to explore the fascinating role of gut bacteria in brain development as a postdoc. His passion for science communication led him to join the initiative “Tierversuche verstehen”, which means "Understanding animal experiments". Dr. Stilling is also a member of the FENS CARE commit...

In this episode we speak with Prof. Dr. Julia Fischer, the head of the Cognitive Ethology lab at the German Primate Center (DPZ) and the author of the book “Monkeytalk: Inside the Worlds and Minds of Primates”. Together, we explore how baboon research in the wild is established and the range of methods used in scientific studies of non-human primates. Prof. Fischer shares her knowledge about social hierarchies, communication, cognition and evolutionary differences among baboon species. We con...

In this episode, we speak with Prof. Tobias Moser, the director of the Institute for Auditory Neuroscience Göttingen in Germany, also a spokesperson for the Cluster of Excellence Multiscale Bioimaging. Professor Moser and his colleagues put tremendous effort into studying how the auditory system processes information quickly and precisely, aiming to understand its molecular and cellular mechanisms. Through various methods, they examine the structure and function of auditory synapses from mole...

In this episode we speak with Prof. Valentin Nägerl, the head of the Synaptic plasticity and super-resolution microscopy group at the Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience and Professor of Neuroscience and Bioimaging at the University of Bordeaux. Together, we delve into the intricacies of memory, demystifying terms like plasticity and synapses. Prof. Nägerl shares his knowledge about what is in between the neurons - the extracellular space. We continue with our recent theme of the sup...

In this episode, we speak with Christophe Letterrier, PhD, the leader of the NeuroCyto research group at the Institute of Neurophysiopathology, Aix-Marseille University. We dive deep inside neurons, discussing the structural support and trafficking system in the cells - the cytoskeleton. Visualising molecules comprising this structure requires super-resolution microscopy, hence, we explore cutting-edge techniques from the world of imaging. Dr. Leterrier emphasises the importance of the ...

In this episode, we talk to Prof. Jan Huisken, the head of the Multiscale Biology lab at the University of Göttingenan, an Alexander von Humboldt Professor and a renowned expert in microscopy. We unravel the making of light-sheet microscopes, exploring their pros and cons directly from the co-inventor himself! Prof. Huisken shares with us how to deal with big data issues and unveils his vision for smart microscopy, showcased in his innovative creation, the portable 'Flamingo' microscopes. We ...

In this episode, we talk to Prof. Constantin Pape, leader of the Computational Cell Analytics group at the Institute of Computer Science and a Junior Professor at the Georg-August University Goettingen. We explore the intersection of machine learning and biology, specifically focusing on the analysis of microscopy images. Prof. Pape explains the principles of the artificial neural networks and sheds light on the challenges accompanying their use in scientific research. Our conversation ...

In this episode, we talk to Prof. Ralf Heinrich, a Professor at the Department of Cellular Neurobiology at the University of Göttingen. The focus this time is on insects and the fascinating neuroscientific insights one can learn from them! We discuss evolutionary preserved mechanisms throughout the animal kingdom. We also talk about the research on cytokines - the signalling molecules involved in the immune system and apoptosis - a mechanism of cellular self-destruction. Prof. Heinrich delves...

In this episode, we talk to Prof. Andrea Antal, an Extraordinary Professor at the University of Göttingen and a group leader at the Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Laboratory in the Department of Neurology at the Medical University Göttingen. Prof. Antal has many years of experience developing treatments for patients suffering from chronic pain, depression, and mild cognitive impairment. The focus of this conversation is on non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, namely transcranial electri...

In this episode we talk to Prof. Tiago Outeiro, Full Professor of Aggregopathies, Director of the Department of Neurodegeneration and Restaurative Research at the University Medical Center Göttingen, a Professor at the institute of Neuroscience at the Newcastle University in the United Kingdom and Auxiliar Professor, Instituto de Fisiologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal. The focus of this interview is on Parkinson's disease. You will learn about its potential caus...

In this episode we talk to Prof. André Fischer, Director at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) site Göttingen and Professor at the Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen. The focus of this interview is on understanding epigenetics - the mechanism of inheritance and determination of some traits outside the DNA code. You will learn how this mechanism can be linked to memory and neurodegenerative diseases. We talk extensively about t...

In this episode we talk to Prof. Alexander Gail, the head of Sensorimotor Research Group, German Primate Center and Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience and Professor for Sensorimotor Neuroscience and Neuroprosthetics at the University of Göttingen. The focus of this talk is on understanding the process of decision making and movement planning. You will learn what methods are used for recording neural activity in the brain and how they can be used for the development of neuroprosth...

In this episode we talk to Dr. Patapia Zafeiriou, a research group leader at the University Medical Center Göttingen. The focus of this talk is on organoid research. You will learn about different types of cells in the brain, their interaction with the heart and how we can study such topics with organoids developed from so-called induced pluripotent stem cells. We also talk about combining being a parent with academic work and problems with the current publishing system and awarding grants. ...

In this episode we talk to Dr. Felipe Opazo, a group leader at the Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration in Göttingen & a CTO at NanoTag Biotechnologies. The focus of this talk is on visualizing molecules in the brain. You will learn how antibodies are used as a research tool in microscopy, what the mysterious nanobodies are and why they are better than antibodies. We also talk about Dr Opazo’s career path and how to balance work in academia and industry! Our channel is su...