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Introducing 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 Neuropsychopharmacology

Resources & Links: 

• When the science alone is not enough: embracing our responsibility as science communicators ​

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Hold 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.

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Resources & Links:

• These Ants Can Diagnose and Treat Their Comrades' Infected Wounds | Smart News| Smithsonian Magazine
• An experiment shows how pigs might one day help people with liver failure | AP News
• Mouse 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)

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Ever 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.

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Resources & Links:

• Win-win in muscle research: Faster results and fewer laboratory animals thanks to new method | ScienceDaily
• Immune 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 Science
• Want the secret to less painful belly flops? These researchers have the answer | ScienceDaily

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News 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!

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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 : NPR

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Lab Rat Chat - Episode 34 with Dr. Ben Wylie

Get 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.

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Resources & Links:

• A surgically optimized intraoperative poly(I:C)-releasing hydrogel prevents cancer recurrence - PubMed (nih.gov)
• Sarcoma Translational Research | Telethon Kids Institute
• World-first clinical trial in Perth could lead to breakthrough treatment for children with sarcoma - ABC News

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News 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 cats
• Making experiments more natural to better understand the brain
• Wound healing ink and 3D-printed applicator pens
• Potential cause of chronic pain associated with long COVID

Links to all these stories can be found below

In 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!

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Resources & Links:

• Scientists Develop New Birth Control for Female Cats—No Surgery Necessary | Smart News| Smithsonian Magazine
• Lab 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)

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Lab Rat Chat - Episode 33 with Dr. Alejando Torrado-Pacheco

What 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.

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• Moghaddam Laboratory – Oregon Health & Science University
• Acute psilocybin enhances cognitive flexibility in rats | Neuropsychopharmacology (nature.com)
• MAPS.org - Support Psychedelic Science - Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies - MAPS

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News 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:

• The rapid evolution of the dogs of Chernobyl
• A mouse study that correlates nose picking with Alzheimer's
• How hibernating bears, pigs in small enclosures, and immobile humans avoid blood clots
• The quest to save the bees using robotic bees and artificial intelligence

Links to all these stories can be found below

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Resources & Links:

• Dogs in Chernobyl are evolving faster, new study claims (yahoo.com)
• Mouse Study Suggests an Unexpected Link Between Nose-Picking And Alzheimer's : ScienceAlert
• Humans, and piglets, and bears, oh my! Preventing dangerous blood clots -- ScienceDaily
• Robotic bees and roots offer hope of healthier environment and sufficient food (phys.org)

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News 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:

• March is National Kidney Month!
• How NAD+ and NMN can slow, stop, and even reverse kidney disease
• Scientists have been able to create mice from the cells of two male mice
• Did you know beetles mainly absorb water from their butts?
• Superb Fairy Wrens and their willingness to fight for their friends and family

Links to all these stories can be found below

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Resources & Links:

• NAD+ and NMN: Can They Help for Kidney Health and Disease Treatment? | HealthNews
• Scientists create mice with cells from 2 males for 1st time (msn.com)
• Beetles suck water into their butts to stay hydrated, and now scientists know how | Live Science
• These Tiny Birds Get By With A Little Help From Their Friends (forbes.com)

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Lab Rat Chat - Episode 32 with Dr. Jodi Salinsky

In this episode of Lab Rat Chat, Jeff and Danielle chat with Jodi Salinksy, DVM, Animal Welfare Officer for the University of Auckland, New Zealand.  We're thrilled to finally talk with someone from New Zealand to be able to compare and contrast some of the similarities and differences regarding animal research in that part of the world.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Dr. Salinksky's extensive and impressive background and her journey to get where she's at in her career today.
• Some of the laws and regulations surrounding animal research in New Zealand and how it compares to the United States.
• The Openness Agreement on Animal Research and Teaching in New Zealand, established in 2021.
• Public perception of animal research in New Zealand

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Resources & Links:

• Openness Agreement | ANZCCART
• Americans for Medical Progress
• Americans for Medical Progress COVID-19 Resources

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