Get into the Halloween spirit with some scary science stories. In this special Halloween episode, our podcast hosts Amelia, Taryn and Anoosha, discuss some truly frightful scientific discoveries. These stories include the discoveries of the Zombie Ant Fungus, Alien Hand Syndrome and the Bone Collector Caterpillar.

To read more about the science behind these discoveries check out the papers below!

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4174324/pdf/12862_2014_Article_166.pdf

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4059570/pdf/bumc0027-0219.pdf

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/caterpillar-bone-collector-moth-spider-camouflage

Join us as we explore the fascinating world of neurobiology! In this episode, we talk with Dr. Tuan Bui, a Professor and the Chair of Biology at the University of Ottawa.

Dr. Bui is a leading neurobiologist whose research delves into the intricate mechanisms by which the nervous system controls movement. Through innovative work with zebrafish and mouse models, Dr. Bui’s lab investigates the spinal cord and related neural circuits, uncovering fundamental principles of motor control. These cutting-edge studies not only advance our understanding of the nervous system but also hold significant promise for developing therapies and rehabilitation strategies for spinal cord injuries.

To learn more about Dr. Bui's work please visit the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Science page: https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-science/professors/tuan-bui

Episode 2 takes you into the world of structural biology and epigenetics with Dr. Jean‑François Couture, Professor and Chair of the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology at the University of Ottawa. A leading expert in protein crystallography, Dr. Couture has authored over 90 scientific publications exploring the molecular machinery that controls gene expression.

In this episode, we uncover how small changes at the molecular level, sometimes just a single mutation, can have massive implications for human health, including breakthroughs in the fight against diseases like leukemia.

To learn more about Dr. Couture's work please visit the University of Ottawa's Medicine Faculty page: https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-medicine/dr-jean-francois-couture

In this episode, we dive into the world of protein engineering with Dr. Roberto Chica, a leading researcher in computational protein design at the University of Ottawa. Dr. Chica explains how his team uses advanced modeling techniques to redesign enzymes—tailoring them for new functions.

Dr. Chica also shares insights into how these innovations are paving the way for greener, more efficient chemical processes.

Whether you're a scientist, a student, or if you're just curious about how we can "reprogram" nature’s machines, this conversation is packed with fascinating science and real-world impact.

For information about Dr. Chica's work, check out the University of Ottawa's website: https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-science/professors/roberto-chica