Pipetting Hot Tea

What if bacteria could be trained to work together like an assembly line to clean up industrial waste? In this episode of Pipetting Hot Tea, we sit down with student researchers from iGEM uOttawa to explore the fascinating world of synthetic biology. We break down the global iGEM competition and how these students are designing biological solutions to real-world problems, all between classes and midterms.

We also dive into their new project on biological sulfur removal, exploring how a multi-strain bacterial system could replace energy-intensive refining processes. Along the way, they walk us through what it actually takes to engineer a bacterium, the highs and lows of lab work, and what the future of sustainable bioprocessing looks like. Tune in for a conversation that’s equal parts inspiring and eye-opening!

What if you could shrink down to a world smaller than a cell—where gold and silver behave in ways that seem almost impossible? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jazmín Silvero to explore the fascinating science of nanotechnology. From her journey into research to explaining her work in simple terms, she makes the invisible world of nanoparticles both accessible and exciting.

We also dive into her cutting-edge research, from enhancing antibiotics with gold nanoparticles to using light to kill bacteria and developing antibacterial materials from rice husks. Along the way, she shares insights into life as a researcher, advice for students, and what the future of nanotechnology could look like. Tune in for a conversation that’s equal parts inspiring and eye-opening.

Looking for new or better ways to study?

Listen to our hosts Anoosha, Taryn and Amelia share some simple and effective study tips to help you stay organized, focused, and confident for your next exam. From time-management strategies and note-taking methods to memory techniques and ways to avoid procrastination, these practical tricks can make studying easier and more productive. Whether you're preparing for exams or just trying to keep up with your coursework, these tips will help you study smarter, and get the most out of your study time.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Matthieu Delcourt to shift the spotlight from research to the classroom. While we usually dive deep into scientific discoveries, this conversation explores the art and impact of teaching science, how great educators inspire curiosity, break down complex ideas, and shape the next generation of scientists.

Dr. Matthieu Delcourt is a Professor at University of Ottawa in the Faculty of Biology. To learn more visit the Faculty of Biology's webpage: https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-science/professors/matthieu-delcourt or visit Dr. Delcourt's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthieu-delcourt/

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Gilda Stefanelli of the University of Ottawa to explore how histones and epigenetic mechanisms influence the brain’s development, flexibility, and resilience.

Dr. Stefanelli explains how chemical modifications to DNA’s packaging can control when genes turn on or off — and how these tiny molecular shifts can shape learning, memory, and even susceptibility to neurological conditions.

To learn more visit the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Science Professor Directory:

https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-science/professors/gilda-stefanelli

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