Neuroscience and Beyond

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 discussion also touches on broader challenges in the scientific community, including funding, equality, tenure tracks, and academic bureaucratic hurdles. We highlight the urgent need for sustainable funding for scientific research.
A must-listen for anyone interested in policy, inclusion, and the future of scientific research!

Don’t forget to 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, SFB1286 as well as MBExC.

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

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 potential role in Parkinson’s diagnostics.

Beyond science, we touched on work-life balance in research, the impact of preprint servers like BioRxiv, the role of social media in science communication, the Imaging for All initiative and the upcoming Göttingen Expansion Forum 2025.

Don't miss our latest episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel for in-depth discussions on cutting-edge science!

Timestamps

00:00:00 Introduction 

00:03:10 Ali’s background

00:07:20 One-step Nanometer Expansion Microscopy

00:14:09 Imaging GABA receptors with ONE microscopy vs other techniques

00:16:12 Democratizing Microscopy 

00:21:55 Parkinson’s diagnostics with ONE microscopy

00:32:20 Initial stages of ONE 

00:35:38 Work-life balance and mental health

00:39:17 Peptide labeling

00:43:40 3D Structures from 2D planes

00:46:38 ONE and quantum computing - experimental approach

00:50:54 ONE microscopy in cells and tissues

00:53:06 BioRxiv impact on publications

00:55:32 Social media & science communication

00:58:12 Imaging for All

01:01:23 Göttingen Expansion Forum 2025 (GEF25) 

Neuroscience and Beyond team:

Svilen Georgiev

Kristina Jevdokimenko

Ahsen Konaç Sayıcı

Beatriz Apgaua

Mels Akhmetali

Steffen Pöschel (intro music)

Klaas Kock (intro music)

#Microscopy  #ONEmicroscopy #SuperResolution #Research  #Health  #Science #Innovation

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 the importance of balancing cooperation and competition while maintaining scientific integrity and creativity.

Follow us for exclusive content and in-depth discussions on cutting-edge science!

YouTube https://youtu.be/Q0pMk_t6HyA

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

#AcademicLife #OpenScience #AcademicPublishing #Science #Collaboration

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 explore how this innovative technology is making advanced microscopy more accessible, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and Dr. Krainer’s advice for anyone dreaming of starting their own company.

Highlights of the episode include: 

🔬 What is a two-photon microscopy?

🔍 How can we use it in clinical diagnostics?

💡 The importance of flexible and portable microscopy devices. 

🌟 Valuable advice for starting a company.

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 (MBExC) and SFB1286.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates! 🔗 https://linktr.ee/neurosciencebeyond 

Neuroscience and Beyond team:

Svilen Georgiev

Kristina Jevdokimenko

Ahsen Konaç Sayıcı

Beatriz Apgaua

Mels Akhmetali

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 solutions. It’s important to discuss these matters openly so that we can start improving the way science moves forward.

In this episode Prof. Jörg Enderlein highlights critical challenges in academia, such as underfunding, unsustainable academic career paths, and the loss of expertise caused by short-term contracts. He emphasizes the urgent need for better financial support and structural reforms to sustain universities and retain talent.

We’d love to hear from you! Share your experiences and the challenges you’ve faced as an academic in the comments below.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast for exclusive content and in-depth discussions on cutting-edge science!

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

 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 
💡 Revolutionary tools like Airyscan and SOFI 
🌟 The scientific principles driving innovation in biophysics 

Prof. Enderlein shared his remarkable journey and discussed how fundamental physics is shaping the future of imaging. This episode offers a fascinating perspective on the evolution of scientific discovery and its applications in modern research. 

 Timestamps 00:00:00 - Introduction 
00:02:50 - Milestones in Microscopy Development 
00:04:50 - Importance of Double Slit Experiment for Microscopy
00:08:06 - Experiments on the duality of light 
00:15:45 - Research of Prof. Enderlein: From Spectroscopy to Super-Resolution Microscopy 
00:19:35 - Difference Between Spectroscopy and Microscopy 
00:21:20 - Science Across the World 
00:25:00 - Super-resolution optical fluctuation imaging (SOFI) 
00:33:00 - Applying Basic Physics for Improving Imaging 
00:38:00 - Inspiration for Scientific Discoveries 
00:40:50 - Speed and Resolution Limitations of Microscopy 
00:45:10 - Interesting Story Behind Airyscan / Origins of Airyscan 
00:53:40 - What is a SPAD Array? 
00:57:47 - Measuring Electrical Charges in Biomolecules 
01:01:50 - Imagining a Perfect Research Institute 
01:07:30 - Where Will Science Take Us? 

 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 (MBExC) and SFB1286.

 #Microscopy #QuantumMechanics #NeurosciencePodcast #Imaging #Biophysics  

 Follow us on social media for the latest updates! 🔗 https://linktr.ee/neurosciencebeyond 

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

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 microcephaly, autism spectrum disorder, and intellectual disability. As a member of the prestigious FENS-Kavli Network of Excellence, Dr. Ambrożkiewicz is also helping to shape the future of neuroscience. Tune in to discover the fundamental principles of brain development and learn more about the organizations advancing this exciting field.

Supported by the International Max Planck Research School for Neurosciences in #Göttingen, the European Neuroscience Institute, SFB_1286, as well as MBExC.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates!

Twitter: https://twitter.com/neuro_beyond 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurosciencebeyond/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@neurosciencebeyond 

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

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 discoveries.

We uncovered the story behind optogenetics, exploring how it began and the challenges Prof. Boyden faced in bringing this remarkable method to life. He also introduces us to expansion microscopy, a powerful technique that allows scientists to physically "expand" biological samples, achieving nanoscale precision imaging to study cellular structures and brain connectivity with unprecedented detail. We also talked about multiplex live-imaging - an innovative approach to observe cellular processes in cells and living organisms.

Don’t miss this episode for an inspiring look at revolutionary neuroscience innovations. Learn about cutting-edge technologies, their origins, and Prof. Boyden's unique perspective on advancing science and developing transformative tools.

Subscribe to our Spotify and YouTube channels 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 in Göttingen, the excellence cluster 'Multiscale Bioimaging', as well as SFB1286.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates!

Twitter: https://twitter.com/neuro_beyond

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurosciencebeyond/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@neurosciencebeyond

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

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 ways. He is also the co-author of the highly influential textbook Theoretical Neuroscience and co-founder of the prestigious Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit. In 2012, Prof. Dayan received the Rumelhart Prize and in 2017 he was awarded the Brain Prize. On a personal note, it was truly an immense honour to sit down with such a brilliant mind like Prof. Dayan. He was incredibly kind and generous with his time, staying with me until 10:30 PM to answer all of my questions. 

Join us as we explore decision making, learning, and memory from a computational perspective.

🔗link to our social media accounts: https://linktr.ee/neurosciencebeyond  

This podcast is supported by the International Max Planck Research School for Neurosciences, the Cluster of Excellence Multiscale Bioimaging, and the European Neuroscience Institute in Göttingen. If you want to support us, please subscribe to our channel and do not hesitate to drop us a comment under our videos.


Neuroscience and Beyond team:

Svilen Georgiev

Kristina Jevdokimenko

Ahsen Konaç Sayıcı 

Beatriz Apgaua 

Mels Akhmetali

#theoretical #neuroscience #bayesian #inference #dopamine #decision #making #reinforcement #learning

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’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

In this episode, we cover:

• The fundamentals of aptamers and their design
• Techniques for neurotransmitter detection
• The role of aptamers in brain disease 
• Future applications/research directions, and more!

#Aptamers #Biosensors #Neurotransmitters #ParkinsonsDisease #MedicalResearch #EPFL #SciencePodcast #Innovation #Neuroscience #Research


Images provided by Prof. Nakatsuka and from the following references:

https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9040/11/10/523

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0300908420302637

https://mhanational.org/neurons-how-brain-communicates

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1226086X22005639

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/aging-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2015.00136/full

https://www.wzbio.com/aavZt.php?pid=1&id=4&cid=2&tid=2

https://www.science.org/doi/epdf/10.1126/science.abf4588

https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Advances-in-Scanning-Ion-Conductance-Microscopy%3A-Li-Li/3caf1595c9144033fbc00d187d7bf36f8ee7feb1

https://www.creative-biostructure.com/application-of-circular-dichroism-spectroscopy-in-nucleic-acid-research.html

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/bioengineering-and-biotechnology/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2018.00158/full

https://www.jasco-global.com/solutions/monitoring-of-protein-behavior-by-using-fret/