Science Unpacked: The BioS Podcast

In this episode, Anna, Laura and Emilie explore a rather unusual question: Can parasitic worms help treat multiple sclerosis (MS)?Listen as we dive into the science behind helminth therapy. This is an experimental approach that uses the immune-regulating properties of parasitic worms to potentially treat autoimmune diseases. We unpack the hygiene hypothesis, explore what happens when helminths interact with our immune system, and take a closer look at clinical trials investigating their potential in people with MS.From swallowing thousands of worm eggs to applying hookworm larvae to the skin, we ask what the evidence actually tells us ?
Follow us on Instagram: @biosreportsCheck out our journal here: https://tud.link/uptuvc
Produced by BioS students at TU Dresden with support of BioS Reports and SLUB Dresden.Producers: Anna-Lina Kerner, Emilie Walda, Laura Nentwich, Tom BrandSupport: Marit Scheuringer and BioS ReportsMusic: Pixabay
References:

• Zaccone et al. (2006), DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3024.2006.00879.x
• Castro (1996)
• Dixit et al. (2017), DOI: 10.3390/ijms18102141
• Rook (2012), DOI: 10.1007/s12016-011-8285-8
• Fleming (2013), DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2012.10.025
• Wendel-Haga & Celius (2017), DOI: 10.1111/ane.12844
• Cousins (1976), DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(76)92493-4
• Blackely (1873)
• Strachan (1989), DOI: 10.1136/bmj.299.6710.1259
• Stoll (1947)
• Gale (2002), DOI: 10.1007/s00125-002-0801-1
• Schopf et al. (2002), DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.168.5.2383
• Taylor et al. (2005), DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.174.8.4924
• Fleming et al. (2011), DOI: 10.1177/1352458511398054
• Fleming et al. (2019), DOI: 10.1177/1352458517736377
• Tanasescu et al. (2020), DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2020.1118
• Navarro, Ferreira, & Loukas (2013), DOI: 10.1016j.ijpara.2012.11.005
• Weinstock & Elliott (2013), DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2012.10.016
• Mathieson & Wilson (2010), DOI: 10.1016j.ijpara.2009.10.014
• Robinson et al. (2009), DOI: 10.1074/mcp.M900045-MCP200
• Ryan et al. (2020), DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008508
• Tanasescu & Constantinescu (2014), DOI: 10.1007/7854_2014_361
• Goischke (2019), DOI: 10.2147/TCRM.S188941

Get ready to see flies in a completely new light! In this episode, Marit and Philine talk with Dr. Arianna Thomas-Cabianca and Hedda Wern about the fascinating world of Diptera: from pollination and museum collections to forensic entomology and ancient DNA. Tiny, buzzing, and far more important than you might think.Recorded together with the Diptera section at the Senckenberg Society for Nature Research in Dresden.
Follow us on Instagram: @biosreportsCheck out our journal here: https://tud.link/uptuvc
Produced by BioS Reports at TU Dresden with support of SLUB Dresden.Host: Philine Lea Hampe & Marit ScheuringerTech support: Hana AbdeljalilEditorial: Marit ScheuringerMusic: Pixabay

Science vs religion: two worlds many believe to be divided. Team faith or team science? Can you be both? In this episode, Hana and Patience delve deep into the worlds of science and religion. Alongside Biologist Prof. Klaus Reinhardt, Lutheran Theologian Prof. Christian Schwarke and Islamic studies Dr. Rory Dickson, we explore how these two worlds became divided and how they can be bridged. Join us in discussing evolution, creationism and more!Disclaimer: This episode contains sensitive topics such as abortion and vaccination debates. We do not intent to harm or disrespect any individuals, groups or beliefs. The purpose of this episode is to create an open and safe space for discussion.
Follow us on Instagram: @biosreportsCheck out our journal here: https://tud.link/uptuvcProduced by BioS Reports at TU Dresden with support of SLUB Dresden.Host: Hana Abdeljalil & Patience Blossfeld-DodgsonEditorial: Hana AbdeljalilSupport: Patience Blossfeld-Dodgson & Marit ScheuringerMusic: Pixabay

In this episode, Ecren Arıöz, Mariia Voloshyna and I explore a fascinating question: Can the contraceptive pill influence who you’re attracted to, down to who you choose as a partner?Listen as we unpack how hormonal contraception may shape attraction, partner preferences and relationship dynamics, and what this has to do with sweaty T-shirts.Join us as we ask “What's the evidence?”
Follow us on Instagram: @biosreportsCheck out our journal here: https://tud.link/uptuvc
Produced by BioS students at TU Dresden with support of BioS Reports and SLUB Dresden.Producers: Philine Lea Hampe, Ecren Ariöz & Mariia VoloshynaSupport: Marit Scheuringer and BioS ReportsMusic: Pixabay
References:

• Alvergne & Lummaa (2009)
• Arthur, Casto, & Blake (2022)
• Botzet, Gerlach, Driebe, Penke, & Arslan (2021)
• Cobey, Havlíček, Klapilová, & Roberts (2016)
• Gori et al. (2014)
• Havlíček & Roberts (2008)
• Havlíček, Winternitz, & Roberts (2020)
• Little, Burriss, Petrie, Jones, & Roberts (2013)
• Montoya & Bos (2017)
• Roberts, Gosling, Carter, & Petrie (2008)
• Roberts et al. (2014)
• Welling, Puts, Roberts, Little, & Burriss (2012)

After last month’s deep dive into hormones, Philine and Marit continued the conversation with Dr. Annekathrin Keiler and Prof. Oliver Zierau. We explored how doping-testing works andhow results are protected from manipulation. We also explore current hormone research, including menopause and hormonal cyclicity, and discuss why these topics matter far beyond elite sport. Together, we examine how scientific research informs anti-doping practices and shapes a broader understanding of health, fairness, and performance.
WADA Anti Doping code:  ⁠https://www.wada-ama.org/en/resources⁠
Follow us on Instagram: @biosreportsCheck out our journal here: https://tud.link/uptuvc
Produced by BioS Reports at TU Dresden with support of SLUB Dresden.Host: Philine Lea Hampe & Marit ScheuringerEditorial: Marit ScheuringerMusic: Pixabay

Feeling hormonal? But what does that even mean?!In this episode, we unpack the science of hormones with Dr. Annekathrin Keiler and Prof. Oliver Zierau. Together, we explore what hormones really are, how they work in the body, and why they play a key role in anti-doping research. You’ll learn how hormonal signals influence performance, what counts as “doping,” and where the science gets complicated. Tune in for an interesting discussion and maybe a good comeback for the next time someone calls you out for being "hormonal" !
References:Thieme, D., Krumbholz, A., Bidlingmaier, M., Geffert, C., Hameder, A., Stöver, A., Graw, M., & Keiler, A. M. (2023). Influence of ethanol consumption and food intake on serum concentrations of endogenous steroids. Steroids, 201, 109331. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.steroids.2023.109331
WADA Anti Doping code:  https://www.wada-ama.org/en/resources
Follow us on Instagram: @biosreportsCheck out our journal here: https://tud.link/uptuvc
Produced by BioS Reports at TU Dresden with support of SLUB Dresden.Host: Philine Lea Hampe & Marit ScheuringerEditorial: Hana Abdeljalil & Marit ScheuringerMusic: Pixabay

Testosterone, the holy grail of manliness? Athletic organizations certainly seem to think so. Why should a high testosterone level disqualify elite female athletes from competing? In this episode, we will gather the evidence behind testosterone testing in international sports competitions. We will dive into the history, the science behind it and how it impacts human lives. Join us as we ask “What's the evidence?”.
Follow us on Instagram: @biosreportsCheck out our journal here: https://tud.link/uptuvc
Produced by BioS students at TU Dresden with support of BioS Reports and SLUB Dresden.Producers: Doyeon Jeon, Marit Scheuringer, Patience Blossfeld-DodgsonEditing: Doyeon Jeon, Marit ScheuringerSupport: BioS ReportsMusic: Pixabay
References:- NPR. (2024, August 10)- Jobling, I. (2006)- Ballantyne KN et al. (2011 & 2012)- Kluge, V. (2009)- Donnelly, P., & Donnelly, M. (2013)- Sport & gender: A history of bad science & “biological racism.” (2014, October 2)- Sőnksen, P. H. et al. (2018)- de Marcilla Musté, M. G. (2022)- Hirschberg AL. (2020)- Hunter SK et al. (2023)- Karkazis K., et al. (2018)- Atukorala, K. R., et al. (2022)- Bermon, S., & Garnier, P.-Y. (2017). - Handelsman, D. J., et al. (2018)- Harper, J., et al (2018)- Łagowska, K., & Kapczuk, K. (2016)- Photopoulos, J. (2021)- Pitsiladis, Y. P., et al. (2024)- Rickenlund, A., et al. (2003)

In this episode Dr. Olya Vvedenskaya shares her unconventional path from medicine to lipidomics research and science communication at Lipotype. We talk about why career journeys don’t need to be linear, how to make complex science accessible, and why burnout is a systemic issue, not an individual failure. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about building a career in biotech and beyond.
Follow us on Instagram: @biosreportsCheck out our journal here: https://tud.link/uptuvc
Produced by BioS Reports at TU Dresden with support of SLUB Dresden.Host: Ezgi Ece YavuzEditorial: Marit ScheuringerMusic: Pixabay

In this episode, our master's students ask: “What's the evidence? Are sex robotics the future of intimacy?” Science has a duty to address the hidden sides of society. Could these robots actually replace humans, and what does current research say about where we are headed?
Follow us on Instagram: @biosreportsCheck out our journal here: https://tud.link/uptuvc
Produced by BioS students at TU Dresden with support of BioS Reports and SLUB Dresden.Producers and Editorial Team: Clara Boehme, Jenny Kurth, Alina Wahlbuhl and Paul NeherSound and Editing: Paul NeherSupport: BioS ReportsMusic: Pixabay
References:- Realbotix| Robots (2024)- §  201a StGB - individual standard (2024)- U.S. Copyright Office: Copyright and Artificial Intelligence, Part 1 Digital Replicas Report- Hanson, Kenneth R.; Locatelli, Chloé C. (2022)- Lanis K., Covell K. (1995)- Machia M. , Lamb S. (2009)- Kaufman, Ellen M. (2020)- Richardson, Kathleen (2016)- Scheutz M., Arnold T. (2016)- Fosch-Villaronga E., Poulsen A. (2020)- § 184l Inverkehrbringen, Erwerb und Besitz von Sexpuppen mit kindlichem Erscheinungsbild- Döring N, Mohseni MR, Walter R. (2022)- Zara, G., Veggi, S. & Farrington (2022)- Landgren V, Savard J, Dhejne C, Jokinen J, Arver S, Seto MC, Rahm C. (2022)

In our first episode, we take a trip back to the origins of the journal BioS Reports with our guests Helen Rothfuß, Simon Schäfer and Klaus Reinhardt.We'll look at science communication: what it is, why it's important and why scientists should get involved.
Follow us on Instagram: @biosreportsCheck out our journal here: https://tud.link/uptuvc
If you got curious and want to read the articles we were talking about:- Issue 1 (Asian Palm Civet, Nobrl prize winner)- Issue 9 (Health Benefits of Cold Showers)- Issue 24 (Two Year Anniversary Edition)- Issue 25 (Barnacles and the Shipping Industry)

Produced by BioS Reports at TU Dresden with support of SLUB Dresden.Host: Marit ScheuringerEditorial: Philine Hampe, Patience Blossfeld-Dodgson, Mariia VoloshynaMusic: Pixabay