STEMPOWER

What if the experiences of one generation could shape the biology and emotions of the next?In this episode of STEMPOWER, I speak with UCLA's, Dr. Bridget Callaghan. Her groundbreaking research explores how early life adversity and maternal experiences influence children’s gut microbiome and socioemotional development.Together, they unpack Dr. Callaghan’s 2023 study “Multigenerational adversity impacts on human gut microbiome composition and socioemotional functioning in early childhood.”They discuss how early adversity gets “under the skin,” the critical role of the gut-brain axis at age two, and how microbial pathways may help explain the biological transmission of trauma across generations.Tune in to hear about the mechanisms linking the microbiome to mental health, the challenges of studying multigenerational effects, and Dr. Callaghan’s vision for future interventions that could help break the cycle of adversity.

Happy 2025! In this week's episode, we speak with ⁠Dr. Margaret Cheng, Ph.D.,⁠ a professor at the University of Toronto's Institute of Biomedical Engineering and the Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering. Dr. Cheng is a pioneer in quantitative MRI research, with a focus on advanced applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, particularly in cardiovascular imaging and imaging at the physiological, cellular, and molecular levels. During our conversation, we explore her incredible work on using the bright-ferritin mechanism to non-invasively track neural progenitor cell transplants in spinal cord injuries. We delve into the importance of long-term monitoring of stem cell viability, the biological underpinnings of MRI-based tracking, and how her findings could revolutionize stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine. Dr. Cheng's research papers discussed in this episode: 1. ⁠Longitudinal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Tracking of Transplanted Neural Progenitor Cells in the Spinal Cord Utilizing the Bright-Ferritin Mechanism 2. Bright ferritin for long-term MR imaging of human embryonic stem cells

In this week's episode, we speak with Dr. Jodi Gilman, Ph.D., a renowned neuroscientist and Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and the Director of Neuroscience at the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Addiction Medicine. Dr. Gilman spearheads research on the biological, psychological, and clinical aspects of addiction. During our conversation today, we delve into the complex effects of THC on the brain. We discuss her ground-breaking research utilizing fNIRS technology to identify THC-induced impairment and explore the implications of disrupted prefrontal cortex activity. Dr. Gilman's research papers discussed in this episode: 1. Identification of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) impairment using functional brain imaging 2. Intoxication due to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol is characterized by disrupted prefrontal cortex activity

In this episode with Dr. Ina Wanner, Ph.D., an Associate Research Neuroscientist at the UCLA Geffen School of Medicine, we dive into the fascinating and complex world of neurotrauma research. Dr. Wanner, part of the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, has dedicated her career to improving outcomes for patients with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. Dr. Wanner’s background in Biology and Human Biology, coupled with her two post-doctoral fellowships, including work at The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, has driven her groundbreaking research on neuron-glial interactions and the vital role of astrocytes—the star-shaped support cells in the brain—in recovery from neurotrauma. In today’s conversation, Dr. Wanner shares her insights on the cellular aftermath of traumatic injuries and how understanding these responses is reshaping diagnostic and treatment strategies. We’ll also explore her patented biomarker invention, which has opened new avenues for detecting brain trauma, and discuss her role in leading a multi-site consortium focused on enhancing research consistency across neurotrauma labs. Dr. Wanner’s work is setting the stage for more personalized, effective treatment approaches, and her journey highlights the exciting future of neurotrauma research. Dr. Wanner's research papers discussed during the interview: A Framework to Advance Biomarker Development in the Diagnosis, Outcome Prediction, and Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury Prospective Harmonization, Common Data Elements, and Sharing Strategies for Multicenter Preclinical TBI Research: A Translational Outcomes Project in NeuroTrauma (TOP-NT) Consortium Study

In this episode with ⁠Dr. Daniel Franklin, Ph.D.,⁠ we explore the cutting-edge world of wearable technology designed to monitor cardiovascular health. Dr. Franklin takes us through his groundbreaking research on non-invasive devices that track vital metrics like blood pressure and vascular resistance, helping doctors monitor patients continuously outside the hospital. We dive deep into the complexities of designing synchronized wearable devices, the challenges of integrating multiple sensors, and how these innovations are shaping the future of heart health. We’ll also discuss practical insights on the importance of real-time health monitoring, the role of advanced sensor technology, and what’s next for wearable medical devices. Dr. Franklin's research paper discussed in this episode: ⁠Synchronized wearables for the detection of haemodynamic states via electrocardiography and multispectral photoplethysmography - PubMed (nih.gov)

In this episode with Dr. Charles Bourque, Ph.D., we explore the fascinating role that sodium plays in regulating not only hydration and thirst but also our brain's circadian rhythms — the internal clock that controls sleep-wake cycles, metabolism, and overall health. We'll dive deep into how the brain uses sodium to maintain balance, how disruptions in sodium levels can impact sleep and performance, and what current research tells us about brain and body function through this critical mineral. We’ll also discuss practical takeaways, including how sodium intake influences your daily biological clock, the consequences of imbalance, and emerging findings in neuroscience that connect this essential nutrient with overall brain health. Dr. Bourque's research papers discussed in this episode: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37783507/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37132408/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33730577/

This season, our goal is to get a "behind-the-scenes" of today's ground-breaking science and innovations with leading scientists. From understanding the neuroscience of cannabis on the brain to uncovering the mystery behind black holes, this season is one you would not want to miss!

Will going vegan stop climate change? What can I do at a community-based level to help the planet? Are there only 30 years left until the Earth becomes permanently damaged by the human that walk on its face? This week, we speak with an oceanographer from Nasa's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Dr. Josh K. Willis. In this episode, Dr. Willis busts all myths about climate change and shares some insightful information about how we can truly leave a good footprint on the Earth.

What is it truly like to be a high-school science teacher? How do politics make their way into the classroom? Is there a perfect formula when it comes to marking? These are all questions that Mr. Quast can answer very well. From studying aerospace engineering at Carleton University and working for over 8 years in the aerospace industry to suddenly shifting careers and working as a high school STEM teacher, everyone's favorite teacher, Mr. Quast, shares his experiences hopping through careers and his honest take on what teaching high-school STEM is like.

Am I sleeping enough every night? Can I self-diagnose depression? Am I ruining my quality of sleep by going on my phone before bed? This week on STEMPOWER, we interview sleep specialist and Ph.D. student, Nicole Carmona. Nicole busts all of the most common myths on sleep and depression and shares about her new app, Doze!

Can my contact lenses roll to the back of my eye? Is it safe to sleep with my contacts in? Can contact lenses melt? In this week's episode of STEMPOWER, we interview Dr. Lyndon Jones, the director in the Centre for Ocular Research & Education at the University of Waterloo. Tune in right now to hear Dr. Jones bust the crazy myths people have about contact lenses and glasses while also sharing some pretty interesting stories about his research!

How can I prevent myself from developing osteoporosis? Has the pandemic messed with my spine? Should young people take on strength training? In this week's episode of STEMPOWER, we interview Dr. Lora Giangregorio, a kinesiologist from the University of Waterloo. Dr. Giangregorio shares tons of advice for young people on how to stay healthy and strong while also sharing her experiences and plans on leading clinical trials to find the most effective exercises for seniors with bone-related diseases!

What are the essentials to game theory? How is machine learning used in our day-to-day lives? Can microeconomists and computer scientists work together to build a more stable society? In this week's episode of STEMPOWER, we interview Dr. Kevin Leyton-Brown, a Professor of Computer Science at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Leyton-Brown answers all questions game-theory-related and shares some great advice for students wishing to go into the field of computer science!

What's the medical school process like? Will my undergrad program determine my future? What do medical schools look for in a student? In this week's episode of STEMPOWER, anesthesiologist, Dr. George Philip, answers all questions medicine-related and shares his journey through medical school in Canada!

Should a 16-year-old be worried about arrhythmia? What's the best way to reduce the risk of having heart problems when I get older? How can young researchers succeed with their experiments? In this week's episode of STEMPOWER, Dr. David Birnie, a cardiac electrophysiologist from the Ottawa Heart Institute answers all questions heart-related and shares his wild stories of why he got into medicine!

Is cancer curable? What's the best treatment? Is chemotherapy worth it? In this week's episode of STEMPOWER, we interview Dr. John Bell, a senior scientist in the Cancer Therapeutics Program at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. Dr. Bell answers all questions cancer-related and shares information about his research using oncolytic viruses to treat cancer.

How does the government contain epidemics? What are the differences in research and medicine from country-to-country? Can we completely abolish the idea of disease? In this week's episode of STEMPOWER, we interview, Dr. Rama Nair, a retired, full-professor in Epidemiology and Vice Dean in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa. Dr. Nair answers all of your questions about how pandemics and epidemics can be prevented while also sharing his experiences as Vice Dean.

What does the future look like for mechanical engineering? Wanna hear a day-in-the-life of a mechanical engineer? What soft skill should all engineers have? In this week's episode of STEMPOWER, we interview assistant professor from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Dr. Amirkianoosh Kiani, where he answers all of your burning questions about the field of mechanical engineering and shares his experiences in getting a PhD.

Is there a magic pill that can stop my body from ageing? What can we do as young people to stay "young" longer? Can I live forever? This week's episode with geriatrician, Dr. George Heckman answers all of your questions about ageing and how to "postpone" the body's natural process.

What's the future for computer science? Coding? Can robots be used to help combat climate change? This week's episode with engineering manager of the University of Waterloo's RoboHub, Dr. Brandon DeHart, covers all topics robot-related and gives some excellent advice to students hoping to pursue computer science!