Under the Microscope

Can we build structures that are actually alive?

This week on Under the Microscope, host Pranoti Kshirsagar is joined by Anna Sandak, Associate Professor and Head of the materials group at the University of Primorska, Slovenia. Anna's work bridges the gap between biology and materials science to make the building sector more sustainable, dynamic, and resilient.

In this episode, we dive into her major research projects, including ARCHI-SKIN (developing self-healing coatings made of good fungi) and REMEDY (high-resolution "living tattoos" printed onto building facades). Anna also shares the exciting details of her project sending fungal biofilms into space to test their survival under extreme cosmic conditions.

Tune in to hear how biology, art, and space exploration are colliding to redefine the buildings we live in.

More details: https://thesciencetalk.com/podcast/under-the-microscope-podcast/engineered-living-materials-how-anna-sandak-is-making-buildings-self-heal/

How do you design a research outreach strategy that actually works?

In this solo episode of Under the Microscope, Dr. Pranoti Kshirsagar breaks down a practical framework for science communication, research dissemination, and outreach planning for research projects and grant proposals.

If you are preparing an ERC, Horizon Europe, or institutional research project, this episode gives you a structured approach to building a clear and effective dissemination strategy.

You will learn the three foundational pillars of successful outreach:

1. Define and align your audience — who is it for and why now?

2. Craft the core message — what is the story behind your research?

3. Choose the right channels and formats — podcasting, social media, press, website, conferences, and beyond.

Using the QuanTour global quantum science campaign as a real-world example, this episode shows how a structured communication strategy can scale across 12 labs, multiple countries, and diverse audiences without diluting the message 

This episode is for:

• Principal Investigators

• Research group leaders

• ERC and Horizon Europe applicants

• Science communication professionals

• Innovation-driven research teams

Because impactful science communication is not accidental. It is strategic.

Writing a research proposal and need help? We'd be happy to help. Contact us: https://thesciencetalk.com/contact-us/

Original episode featuring humans: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1XOlKQksRk7hGE3DBmcRO8?si=ab50d3ccf7b14e31

Ever wondered how invisible microbes create biofuels, enzymes, and breakthrough materials? This AI Lab experiment dives into the science of industrial fermentation and bioprocess engineering, revealing how tiny organisms power some of the biggest innovations on the planet.

Inspired by a conversation with Prof. Krist Gernaey (Technical University of Denmark), this episode explores bioreactors, biotechnology, and digital science communication – showing how AI tools are reshaping the way science is shared and understood.

Watch to the full episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5AyHb676TAniPi1jrIiOh7?si=5TevPCQiSKW8CPqKLYGPMw&nd=1&dlsi=41743b05bf864ac2

What does it take to make quantum communication truly secure? In this episode, theoretical physicist Dr. Doris Reiter breaks down the science behind the SUPER project — Swing UP of Quantum EmittER Population — and why it’s a game-changer for quantum light and secure data transfer.

From single photons to the no-cloning theorem, Doris uses vivid analogies (yes, including pool ladders and splashes!) to explain how her team’s breakthrough idea quickly moved from theory to successful experiments in labs worldwide.

🎖️ Doris was recently awarded the Emmy Noether Distinction by the European Physical Society for her outstanding contributions to physics and dedication to gender equality in science.

If you’ve ever wondered how quantum mechanics can help secure your future communication, this episode is for you.

#QuantumPhysics #SciencePodcast #WomenInSTEM #SecureCommunication #TheScienceTalk #EmmyNoetherDistinction #QuantumCommunication

How can we image living brain cells in 3D—without freezing, staining, or harming them? In this episode, physicist and optics innovator Prof. Humeyra Caglayan joins host Dr. Pranoti Kshirsagar to discuss snapshot 3D microscopy—a breakthrough technology combining meta-optics, real-time image reconstruction, and volumetric imaging.

You’ll learn how this method enables fast, non-invasive 3D imaging of living tissues, from zebrafish brains to cardiac cells—opening new frontiers in biomedical imaging, neuroscience, and even surgical diagnostics.

This conversation connects optics, nanotechnology, software, and biology in a powerful interdisciplinary story of innovation.

🎙 A Science Talk original podcast. Discover more: https://thesciencetalk.com

What does it take to scale up industrial processes using tiny living organisms? Pranoti Kshirsagar speaks with Professor Krist Gernaey from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) near Copenhagen about the fascinating world of industrial fermentation. Discover the crucial role of bioreactors and the power of microorganisms in producing everything from sustainable biofuels to essential industrial enzymes. This episode explores the cutting-edge of biotechnology and chemical engineering.

Beyond the technical details, Krist shares insights into his life as a professor at DTU and even touches on his children's amusing perspective on his research! Learn about the collaborative and international nature of modern scientific work in Denmark.

Curious to learn more about the potential of industrial fermentation?

Find key takeaways, interesting anecdotes, and links to explore further in our companion blog post.

How close are we to a future powered by the incredible flexibility of graphene? Pranoti Kshirsagar sits down with Dr. Martin Rejhon, a leading group leader at Charles University in Prague, to unravel his pioneering work in straintronics – manipulating graphene's properties through mechanical strain. Learn about the critical steps towards scalable production and the exciting possibilities for next-generation electronic devices. This episode delves into cutting-edge research in materials science and nanotechnology.

Beyond the scientific breakthroughs, Martin shares his perspective on Prague as a burgeoning center for research and confirms the exciting news: the Nanoscale Science and Technology Forum (NSFE), a key event in nanotechnology, will be held in Prague, Czech Republic, in September 2026!

Want a deeper dive into this fascinating conversation?

Find key highlights, memorable quotes, and links to explore further in our companion blog post.

In this episode of Under the Microscope, we travel to Poland to meet Prof. Anna Musiał from Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, our final QuanTour Hero! 🧑‍🔬✨ Anna shares her expertise on quantum dots, quantum emitters, and their crucial role in quantum communication.

👀 Highlights from this episode:

🔬 What does "Taming the Invisible" mean? The double meaning behind Anna’s research.

💡 How quantum dots emit light that defies classical physics and why this matters for quantum technologies.

⚛️ The role of materials science in optimizing quantum dots for telecom applications.

🤝 International collaborations shaping the future of quantum communication.

🚀 Anna’s career journey—from high school physics enthusiast to leading quantum scientist.

🎧 Hit follow, subscribe, and leave a review—it helps us bring more inspiring scientists to you!

Prof. Nika Akopian from the Technical University of Denmark, our next QuanTour Hero! 🧑‍🔬✨ Nika shares his groundbreaking research on multi-qubit devices with photonic interfaces and the fascinating potential of crystal-phase quantum dots in quantum computing and the quantum internet.

👀 Highlights from this episode:

• The role of multi-qubit devices in advancing quantum computing and secure communication. 💡
• How crystal-phase quantum dots offer a scalable approach to nanoscale quantum systems. 🧬🔬
• The collaboration and innovation behind growing quantum dots with atomic-level precision. 🤝⚛️
• Nika’s career journey from Technion in Israel to leading quantum research in Copenhagen. 🌍🔭
• Behind-the-scenes insights into cutting-edge experiments and the challenges of quantum technology. 🚀✨

🎙️ Plus, Nika previews his upcoming week curating the Under the Microscope BlueSky account, where he’ll share real-time videos, lab highlights, and more! Don’t miss it! 💻🔵

👉 Follow the QuanTour journey and more at:
BlueSky

📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, and catch all episodes on your favorite podcast platform or YouTube.

🎧 Hit follow, subscribe, and leave a review—it helps us bring more inspiring scientists to you!

Prof. Wolfgang Löffler from the Leiden Institute of Physics, our next QuanTour Hero! 🧑‍🔬✨ Wolfgang shares insights into his fascinating research on the interaction of light and matter at the quantum level, including groundbreaking work with quantum dots and single photons.

👀 Highlights from this episode:

• How single photons could unlock new quantum technologies like secure communication and ultra-fast lasers. 💡
• The surprising crossover between quantum optics and human vision studies. 👁️✨
• Wolfgang's career journey, inspired by the Rhine River and leading to cutting-edge research in Leiden. 🌊🔬
• His "craziest" experiment: recreating classical light from quantum sources. 🚀🔭
• A sneak peek into Leiden’s unique lab culture, historical cryostats, and the pioneering spirit of collaboration. 🤝🔗

🎙️ Plus, Wolfgang previews his upcoming week curating the Under the Microscope BlueSky account, where he’ll showcase behind-the-scenes lab work, fascinating experiments, and more! Don’t miss it! 💻🔵

👉 Follow the QuanTour journey and more at:
BlueSky

📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, and catch all episodes on your favorite podcast platform or YouTube.

🎧 Hit follow, subscribe, and leave a review—it helps us bring more inspiring scientists to you!