Neuroscience and Beyond

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 are rethinking research culture and building a better future for science.

🔗 Link to the Playlist of Problems in Academia: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLtjKq7qE0GdKtOrU9a3U0mPzPgW67waB

#ResearchReform #AcademicCareers #ScienceFunding #BrainDrain #NeurosciencePodcast 
 #academic #challenges #academia #science #ResearchFunding #AcademicCareers #PhDLife 

Supported by the International Max Planck Research School for Neurosciences in #Göttingen, the European Neuroscience Institute, Cluster of Excellence Multiscale Bioimaging, as well as SFB1286

Neuroscience and Beyond team:
Svilen Georgiev
Kristina Jevdokimenko
Ahsen Konaç Sayıcı
Mels Akhmetali
Laura van Agen

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 investigate the #cognitive and emotional processes that shape how we interact with others.

In this episode, we cover:

• How scientists model real-life social decisions in the lab
• The role of the amygdala in both fear and friendship
• How memory, reputation, and authority influence behavior
• What are Social Agent Identity Cells, and why do they matter?
• Insights from neural recordings during brain surgery
• and more! 

🎧 Curious how the brain navigates trust, memory, and connection? Watch the full episode on YouTube to explore how neuroscience is helping us understand social interaction at its most fundamental level.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive content and in-depth discussions on cutting-edge science!

🔗Find us on X, Instagram, BlueSky, Spotify and other platforms https://linktr.ee/neurosciencebeyond 

🔗Link to the video: https://youtu.be/AFb4pQJC9zo

#SocialNeuroscience #GameTheory #Amygdala #PrimateResearch #Neuroeconomics #CognitiveNeuroscience #TheoryOfMind #NeurosciencePodcast #BehavouralNeuroscience

Supported by the International Max Planck Research School for Neurosciences in #Göttingen, the European Neuroscience Institute, Cluster of Excellence Multiscale Bioimaging, as well as SFB1286

Timestamps

00:00:00 – Introduction & Báez-Mendoza’s Research
00:04:32 – From Mexico to Harvard: Comparing Research Cultures
00:09:40 – Social Interactions & Game Theory in Humans and Monkeys
00:15:56 – Training Monkeys for Social Decision-Making Tasks
00:22:25 – Recording Brain Activity in Monkeys
00:24:57 – Brain Regions Involved in Social Interaction
00:30:14 – Fear and Friendship: Amygdala’s Dual Role
00:33:34 – Memory and Social Decision-Making
00:38:10 – Theory of Mind in Monkeys
00:44:32 – What Are Social Agent Identity Cells?
00:49:10 – Human Brain Recordings During Surgery
00:54:11 – Role of Reputation and Authority in Decision-Making
01:00:12 – Sex Differences in Social Behavior & Research Constraints

Neuroscience and Beyond team:

Svilen Georgiev

Kristina Jevdokimenko

Ahsen Konaç Sayıcı

Mels Akhmetali

Laura van Agen

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 rethink what mentorship and leadership should look like in modern science.

What's your biggest frustration with research culture? Share your thoughts in the comments!💬

🔗 Watch the full conversation on YouTube & follow us here: https://linktr.ee/neurosciencebeyond 

#AcademicCulture #MentalHealthInScience #OpenScience #LeadershipInAcademia #PostdocCrisis #Reproducibility #ResearchReform #NeurosciencePodcast

Supported by the International Max Planck Research School for Neurosciences in #Göttingen, the European Neuroscience Institute, Cluster of Excellence Multiscale Bioimaging, as well as SFB1286

Neuroscience and Beyond team:
Svilen Georgiev
Kristina Jevdokimenko
Ahsen Konaç Sayıcı
Mels Akhmetali

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, #transcriptomics , and #proteomics are revolutionizing microglia #research.

We discuss the critical role of microglia in #neurodegeneration, the challenges and breakthroughs in studying the human brain, and the growing relevance of the exposome in brain health.

You will also learn about the inspiring work behind SciLead, an initiative Dr. Haage co-founded to foster better leadership and research culture in science.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us for exciting neuroscience content.

🔗To find us on BlueSky, X and Instagram:https://linktr.ee/neurosciencebeyond

Timestamps

00:00:00 In This Episode  

00:00:25 Introduction  

00:01:40 Dr. Haage’s Research on Microglia  

00:05:10 How Were Microglia Discovered?  

00:06:35 Studying Microglia in Mice  

00:07:50 Sex Differences in Microglia  

00:09:45 What Are Transcriptomics and Proteomics?  

00:10:35 How Is Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Used?  

00:17:40 What Are Microglial States?  

00:20:10 Mouse vs. Human Microglia  

00:21:50 How Are Human Microglia Studied?  

00:31:30 Do iPSC-Derived Cells Reflect Adult Microglia?  

00:33:30 Transcriptomics Costs and Lab Procedures  

00:37:30 Data Challenges in Transcriptomics Research  

00:40:50 Microglia’s Role in Neurodegeneration  

00:47:00 Can We Image Microglia in Humans?  

00:50:20 How the Exposome Affects Brain Health  

00:51:50 What’s Happening to US Research Funding?  

00:59:00 What Is SciLead?  

Supported by the International Max Planck Research School for Neurosciences in #Göttingen, the European Neuroscience Institute, Cluster of Excellence Multiscale Bioimaging, as well as SFB1286

Neuroscience and Beyond team:

Svilen Georgiev

Kristina Jevdokimenko

Ahsen Konaç Sayıcı

Mels Akhmetali

Laura van Agen

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 exclusive content and honest conversations about academic life.

🔗 Link to the video: https://youtu.be/6Arred_zB3E

🔗 Link to the full episode: https://youtu.be/g323URE0zt0

 #academic #challenges #academia #science #ResearchFunding #AcademicCareers #PhDLife 

Supported by the International Max Planck Research School for Neurosciences in #Göttingen, the European Neuroscience Institute, Cluster of Excellence Multiscale Bioimaging, as well as SFB1286

Neuroscience and Beyond team:

Svilen Georgiev

Kristina Jevdokimenko

Ahsen Konaç Sayıcı

Mels Akhmetali

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 like PTSD, anxiety, and depression take shape.

In this episode, you’ll discover topics such as:
- How trauma and negative thinking loops lead to PTSD
- Why traumatic memories feel so vivid and intrusive
- Why some people develop PTSD after trauma, and others don’t
- What information processing biases are, and how they relate to anxiety and depression
- Effective PTSD therapies such as exposure-based treatment and EMDR
👉 Plus, many more insights on memory fragmentation, cognitive models, mental health awareness, and how external factors shape cognition.

Timestamps
00:00:00 In This Episode
00:00:25 Introduction
00:01:45 Prof. Woud’s Research Focus, Background Information
00:03:35 What Are Information Processing Biases?
00:05:35 Can Brain Imaging/Activity Explain Long-Term Trauma?
00:07:05 Bridging Cognition and Biology
00:09:23 Defining Mental Health
00:13:15 Why Do Some People Develop PTSD While Others Don’t?
00:15:15 Overthinking and PTSD relationship
00:17:35 What Is PTSD?
00:20:40 Are There Severity Levels in PTSD?
00:23:15 Brain Imaging in PTSD Diagnosis
00:24:15 Traumatic Memories vs Normal Memories
00:28:15 How is PTSD Studied Scientifically?
00:31:15 Why Does Public Speaking Cause Anxiety?
00:35:45 What Triggers PTS? 
00:37:05 PTSD, Sleep Problems, Stress and Childhood Trauma
00:39:15 What Are the Treatments for PTSD?
00:42:55 Challenges in Studying Mental Health in the Lab
00:45:00 Do Cultural Differences Affect Mental Health Research?
00:47:05 Why Are Depression Rates Increasing?
00:49:15 Clinical Psychology
00:52:05 Understanding Mental Health
00:54:25 Early Prevention and Access Matter In Mental Health
00:56:15 What Is Consciousness? 
01:00:05 Interpretation Biases in Alcohol Use
01:05:29 Psychodelics In Research and Clinical Use 
01:08:22 Final Thoughts & Closing

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us for exciting neuroscience content.
🔗 Link to our social media accounts: https://linktr.ee/neurosciencebeyond

#MentalHealthAwareness #PTSD #Trauma #Psychology #CognitiveScience #Stress #InformationProcessing
Supported by the International Max Planck Research School for Neurosciences in #Göttingen, the European Neuroscience Institute, Cluster of Excellence Multiscale Bioimaging, as well as SFB1286

Neuroscience and Beyond team:
Svilen Georgiev
Kristina Jevdokimenko
Ahsen Konaç Sayıcı
Mels Akhmetali

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 exclusive content and in-depth discussions on cutting-edge science. 

Supported by the International Max Planck Research School for Neurosciences in #Göttingen, the European Neuroscience Institute, Cluster of Excellence Multiscale Bioimaging, as well as SFB1286

#academic #challenges #academia #science #ResearchFunding #AcademicCareers

Neuroscience and Beyond team:

Svilen Georgiev

Kristina Jevdokimenko

Ahsen Konaç Sayıcı

Beatriz Apgaua

Mels Akhmetali

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 ECM in spinal cord injury recovery. 

-How the ECM shapes brain development and aging. 

-The reasons why some neurons possess PNNs while others do not. 

-The therapeutic potential of targeting PNNs, and many more interesting topics! 

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us for exciting neuroscience content.🎙️Link to our social media accounts:

https:/linktr.eeneurosciencebeyond 

 #Neuroscience #ExtracellularMatrix #SpinalCordInjury #ECM #PNN 

This podcast is supported by the International Max Planck Research School for Neurosciences in #Göttingen, the European Neuroscience Institute, the Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging" in Göttingen, as well as, SFB1286. 

 Neuroscience and Beyond team: 

Svilen Georgiev 

Kristina Jevdokimenko 

Ahsen Konaç Sayıcı 

Beatriz Apgaua 

Mels Akhmetali 

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 and in-depth discussions on cutting-edge science. 

https://www.youtube.com/@neurosciencebeyond

Supported by the International Max Planck Research School for Neurosciences in #Göttingen, the European Neuroscience Institute, SFB1286, as well as MBExC.

#academic #challenges #academia #science #ResearchFunding #AcademicCareers

Neuroscience and Beyond team:

Svilen Georgiev

Kristina Jevdokimenko

Ahsen Konaç Sayıcı

Beatriz Apgaua

Mels Akhmetali

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 surprisingly help!

- Different speech styles: Infant-, child-, and adult-directed speech explained.

- Multilingual upbringing: Practical tips.

- Why adults struggle with accents: The science behind learning languages later in life.

- Gender differences in early language development.

And much more!

Professor Mani shares invaluable insights and practical advice for parents and anyone fascinated by the science of language. Don't miss this interesting and exciting conversation!

Subscribe to our YouTube channel Neuroscience and Beyond for in-depth scientific discussions!

This podcast is supported by the International Max Planck Research School for Neurosciences in #Göttingen, MBExC, the European Neuroscience Institute, as well as, SFB1286.