Flipping the Molecular Light Switch: Dr. Phillip Kyriakakis and the world of Optogenetics

Into the Mind of the Zebrafish: Untangling Neurodegenerative Disease with Dr. Liz Haynes

Episode Description: Welcome to another intriguing episode from our AMA series, where we're diving deep into the realms of cell biology, cognitive aging, and neurodegenerative disease, all through the lens of zebrafish! We're delighted to have Dr. Liz Haynes, a cell biologist and post-doctoral fellow, as our special guest. A proud advocate for open-source tools and publishing, Dr. Haynes wields a microscope and an unyielding curiosity for the brain's smallest defenders, the microglia. She embarked on her scientific journey at UNC-Chapel Hill, studying the fascinating actin dynamics and then plunging into the intricate world of kinesin-1’s cargo-binding subunits. But it was the world of zebrafish that stole her heart and honed her research focus. Dr. Haynes utilizes her expertise in multiscale microscopy, specifically 2-photon and light sheet microscopy, to elucidate the role of microglia in cognitive aging and neurodegenerative diseases in zebrafish. The aim? To unravel the complex behaviors of cells in a 3D environment. Currently, as a Morgridge Post-Doctoral Fellow working with the Eliceiri and Ulland labs, Dr. Haynes continues to innovate strategies for longitudinal light sheet and multiphoton microscopy. Her work promises new insights into microglia's part in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Join us as we discuss zebrafish, microglia, and the incredible world of cell biology with Dr. Haynes. Prepare to be amazed at what we can learn from the unassuming zebrafish and how they can teach us about cognitive aging and neurodegenerative disease. Today’s AMA is featuring Dr. Liz Haynes. You can follow her Sci Find Profile here (https://scifind.io/profiles/liz-haynes-j07bjmkz6uukura [https://scifind.io/profiles/liz-haynes-j07bjmkz6uukura]) to see some of her posts and her Twitter handle is @actin_crazy (https://twitter.com/actin_crazy [https://twitter.com/actin_crazy]). Check out her posts: https://scifind.io/posts/tissue-clearing-part-2-mounting-where-theres-a-will-theres-a-way-30puv6hnt5qratg [https://scifind.io/posts/tissue-clearing-part-2-mounting-where-theres-a-will-theres-a-way-30puv6hnt5qratg] and https://scifind.io/posts/tissue-clearing-part-1-how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-r-p3p45h5yjb45iko [https://scifind.io/posts/tissue-clearing-part-1-how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-r-p3p45h5yjb45iko]

Breaking Barriers and Cells: Signaling and Synthetic Biology with Dr. Zara Weinberg

Let's dive headfirst into a fascinating episode of our AMA series featuring a disruptor who's rewriting the playbook of cell biology and challenging the status quo in the scientific world. Meet Dr. Zara Weinberg, a cell-signaling sorceress and postdoc at UCSF. She's got a big love specifically for cyclic AMP and G protein-coupled receptors. If you're scratching your head wondering what those are, don't worry, you're not alone. But buckle up, because you're in for a crash course in synthetic biology that you never knew you needed (Sentinel cells and synthetic immune systems am I right?!) Dr. Weinberg is a self-proclaimed publication anarchist. She's a vocal critic of the scientific publishing world's archaic norms, advocating for unrestricted access to knowledge in a bid to democratize scientific discovery. She's also got a strong commitment to fostering the next generation of scientists, she actively works towards creating a more inclusive and collaborative scientific community. Her passion extends beyond the lab too, be it advocating for a greener world, hitting the hiking trails, or kicking back with her feline friends. Get ready for an insightful journey as we delve into the world of Dr. Zara Weinberg, answering all your burning questions along the way.    To keep up with Dr. Weinberg's work, you can follow her on Twitter @weinberz [https://twitter.com/weinberz]🐦 and check out her Scifind profile [https://scifind.io/profiles/zara-weinberg-599gtkgp9sdu2nb] (https://scifind.io/profiles/zara-weinberg-599gtkgp9sdu2nb)

Pancreatic Puzzles and Bagels: Investigating Cancer with Dr. Mike Feigin

Prepare for an episode of the Fancy Labcoat Guild with an AMA in our Discord where we're going to jump into the world of pancreatic cancer research with Dr. Mike Feigin, an Associate Professor and Director of Experimental Therapeutics at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. Known for his investigative pursuit of understanding the gene regulation mechanisms that drive tumor growth, Dr. Feigin shares his insights on how commonly prescribed medications can impact cancer progression.   But it's not just about the hard science. Dr. Feigin opens up his scientific journey, including a hilarious tale of his first cloning attempt, serving as a reminder that all of us make rookie mistakes.   When the lab coat is put away, Dr. Feigin is a family man who enjoys hiking the trails of western NY and indulging in a love for bagels 🥯. In an alternate world where cancer is cured, he'd be opening his own bakery. This conversation takes us on a journey from the intricacies of cancer genetics to the simple pleasure of a well-made bagel.   Join us as we explore the various features of pancreatic cancer, discuss and talk with this dedicated man of science!   To keep up with Dr. Feigin's work, you can follow him on Twitter @mike_feigin 🐦 and check out his Scifind profile (https://scifind.io/profiles/mike-feigin-y4vsdj4jj9hocql)  🔍.  To keep up with Dr. Feigin's work, you can follow him on Twitter @mike_feigin [https://twitter.com/mike_feigin] 🐦 and check out his Scifind profile  🔍.

Flipping the Molecular Light Switch: Dr. Phillip Kyriakakis and the world of Optogenetics

Prepare for an episode of the Fancy Labcoat Guild that's less 'blinding flash of light' 🔦 and more 'steady, comforting glow' 💡. We've got an AMA on our Discord with the humble luminary - Dr. Phillip Kyriakakis. He's the kind of guy who tinkers with molecular light switches in optogenetics, a field most of us can't even spell correctly on the first try. 🧠🔬 His career trajectory has taken him from UMass Boston 🏫 to UC San Diego, and now to Stanford as a Senior Research Scientist. He's spent all this time flipping the switch on the field of optogenetics, and not in a way that requires protective eyewear. 🕶️ Dr. Kyriakakis isn't just about the science, though. He's a genuine, curious soul with a range of expertise that includes dabbling in electrical engineering! Plus, he's got this knack for making people smile, probably a side effect of spending so much time with biological lights. 😊 In this episode, we delve into the nitty-gritty of optogenetics, the highs and lows 🎢 of Dr. Kyriakakis's journey, and the joy of scientific discovery. To keep up with Dr. Kyriakakis's work, you can follow him on Twitter @breakliquid [https://twitter.com/breakliquid]🐦 and check out his SciFind profile  [https://scifind.io/profiles/phillip-kyriakakis-i73l2rqgm6dfxlu]  🔍. Let's just say, with him, the world of optogenetics is looking quite...illuminating. 💡

Photosynthesis and Photoshoots: Dr. Min Ya's Journey into the World of Plant Science and Art

In this captivating episode of our AMA series, we dive into the fascinating world of floral ground plants 🌺 with our special guest, Dr. Min Ya. As both a talented researcher and artist, Dr. Min Ya shares her unique insights into the molecular basis of these plants, which make up over 90% of known land plants. Her passion for her work is contagious, and listeners will undoubtedly leave with a newfound appreciation for the complexity and beauty of flowering plants. Dr. Min Ya discusses her journey from discovering her love for plant science to incorporating her artistic talents through stunning photography 📸 .She reveals how her work with the microscope and camera has allowed her to capture the intricate details of plants at a microscopic level 🔬, creating breathtaking images that showcase the structure and growth of plants. Listeners will be treated to amusing anecdotes and eye-opening facts about the secret life of plant research, as well as some behind-the-scenes stories of Dr. Min Ya's research and photography adventures. She also addresses different aspects about plant biology and offers tips and advice for anyone interested in exploring a similar path that combines science and art. Don't miss this delightful and enlightening conversation with the extraordinary Dr. Min Ya! Do note that it is recorded on Discord and involves a live audience and active chat. You can reach out to or follow Dr. Min Ya in the following places: 1. Scifind.io profile: https://scifind.io/profiles/min-ya-3ma1fgrqfkl22dd [https://scifind.io/profiles/min-ya-3ma1fgrqfkl22dd] 2. Personal website/blog:  https://www.minyaaa.com/ [https://www.minyaaa.com/] 3. Twitter: https://twitter.com/0_minyaaa [https://twitter.com/0_minyaaa]