Computational neuroscience has experienced a super-nova like explosion of growth in recent years. Tune in to hear from Dr. Read Montague, director of the Human Neuroimaging Laboratory at the Fralin Biomedical Research Insitute, to explore the past, present, and future of this exciting field along with details about his career and the book he authored: Why Choose This Book?: How We Make Decisions.

Your life is made up of everyday decisions, but what drives you to make the choices that you do? What's the science behind rhyme or reason? We delve into the world of choice.

Tune in to the second part of our fascinating series on the role of sex-specific differences in science and disease. Listen to Dr. Georgia Hodes discuss her transition from a career in theater and design to science. Learn about her research exploring the intersection of sex-specific differences in depression and the immune system. 

What role do sex-specific differences play in scientific studies and disease models? Tune in to part one of this series to learn about how the sex of an organism is an important consideration in scientific experimentation, and how sex-specific differences can impact the biology of the brain, the development of diseases such as depression, and the response to treatments. 

Tune in to hear our first live podcast! Listen to the question and answer session from our Health Science Career Panel to learn about careers as a doctor, physical therapist, dental hygienist, biomedical scientist, entrepreneur in science, and more from our expert panelists. Hear advice about how to pursue these careers and avenues to pursue them right here in the Roanoke Valley!

Tune in for a special announcement about Big Lick of Science's first live podcast! 

Join us for the second part of our gut microbiome series as we interview Dr. Michelle Theus, a scientist studying the role of the gut-brain axis in the development of autism. Learn about her journey through the research world, venturing from stem cell therapies to the mechanisms by which the gut microbiome may influence our brain and behavior. 

Did you know? You have trillions of microorganisms living in your gut right now! Tune in to part one of our gut microbiome series to learn the difference between good and bad bacteria, how our brains are connected to our gut, and everything you need to know about fecal transplants.

Join us as we interview our very own co-host, Rachana Deven Somaiya, about life as an international graduate student. Tune in to learn the differences between working in industry and academia, as well as Rachana's research in synapse formation and the visual system. 

Ever wondered how our eyes connect to our brain? How do connections in our brains form in the first place? And why do we blink so much? Check out our latest episode to hear the answers to these questions from Dr. Michael Fox, an expert in the visual system and circuit development within the brain (interview begins at 30:50.)