BEaTS Research Radio's Podcast

Tracy Xie, a student from the University of Ottawa, interviews Dr. Stephanie Willerth, a full professor and Tier II Canada Research Chair in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Victoria. In 2019, Dr. Willerth's group pioneered a new way to 3D print neural tissues using fibrinogen, a natural substance that helps our blood clot.In addition, Dr. Willerth is the CEO and co-founder of Axolotl Biosciences, a women-led biotech company. They have created the world's first commercial neuro-ink by bringing her 3D bioprinting technology to the market with Axolotl Biosciences! In this episode, we discuss the journey behind creating this versatile bioink, the advancements it helped lead to, and the exciting future of 3D bioprinting. Learn more about Dr. Willerth's work here: https://www.engr.uvic.ca/~willerth/Learn more about Axolotl Biosciences here: https://www.axolotlbiosciences.com/                 0:05 | BEaTS Research Radio and host introduction0:26 | Background on 3D bioprinting0:51 | Introdu

As part of the BEaTS Research Radio Translational and Molecular Medicine Sci-Comm Podcast series, our host, Daniel Anderson, interviews Dr. Ruel and NP Ponnambalam. In this episode, Daniel, Dr. Ruel, and Ms. Ponnambalam discuss the promise of minimally invasive coronary bypass grafting (MICS CABG) and how it is a less invasive and safer option for patients who require coronary bypass surgery. Dr. Marc Ruel (MD, MPH) is the endowed chair of minimally invasive cardiac research at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. He is also a Professor in the Division of Cardiac Surgery at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. He is a Professor in the Department of Surgery and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Ottawa. Menaka Ponnambalam (RN-EC, MN, NP-Adult) is a nurse practitioner in the Division of Cardiac Surgery at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. Learn moreDr. Marc Ruel: https://www.ottawaheart.ca/profile/ruel-marcMenaka Ponnabalam: https://www.ottawaheart.ca/patients-a

Hosein Hosseini Abardeh, from the University of Ottawa, interviews Dr. Kusum Menon, a senior scientist at the CHEO Research Institute, to explore her research into pediatric septic shock. In this episode, we dive into critical topics such as the use of corticosteroids in managing pediatric septic shock and the challenges and benefits of using a deferred consent model for patient recruitment in clinical studies. Special guest Katie O’Hearn joins to provide additional insights into the complexities of conducting research in pediatric critical care.Learn more: https://www.cheoresearch.ca/research/find-a-researcher/kusum-menon/0:06 | Host introduction.0:27 | Introduction to Dr. Menon and Katie O'Hearn1:15 | Walking through Dr.Menon's scientific journey2:41 | Katie O'Hearn's role in the lab3:44 | Why are corticosteroids used for pediatric septic shock?5:28 | Challenges faced during the double-blind septic shock pilot study.6:14 | How were the challenges with steroid usage addressed for the stud

Anastasia Fahlman and Sarah Damiani from the University of Ottawa speak with Dr. Erin Mulvihill, Scientist and Director of the Energy Substrate Metabolism Research Laboratory at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. Tune in to learn more about her recent work published in CellPress, which explores the potential mechanisms underlying the cardioprotective benefits of metabolic surgery and GLP-1RA-based therapies. It also discusses recent evidence and emerging therapies in this dynamic area of research. Learn more: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1043276024001930                                                                     Credits for music: Soundtracks by the Underground Drive. All rights reserved. Listen more: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/the-underground-drive/1571062779https://open.spotify.com/artist/4sCJG8TMQyTZ9FDd1JjJmRPodcast by Sarah Damiani (Voice, Producer, Show Co-Host, Writer Editor, Audio Master) and Anastasia Fahlman (Voice, Show Co-Host, Writer Editor, Audio Mast

Matteus McCulloch from the University of Ottawa interviews Dr. Michele Ardolino, a senior scientist in cancer research at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Ottawa. In this episode, Dr. Ardolino discusses a recent paper published by his lab about PD-L1 and its inhibition of the Type I IFN pathway during oncolytic virus infection, how the research came about, and the relevance of the work to advance cancer treatment.  Learn more about Dr. Ardolino and the work of the Ardolino Lab: https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-medicine/dr-michele-ardolino https://ardolinolab.ca/0:00 | Introduction to PD-L1 and the type I IFN pathway and its relevance to recent research by Hodgins, J.J. et al. 1:40 | BEaTS, host, and guest introduction2:18 | What inspired the Ardolino Lab's exploration of PD-L1 and the type I IFN pathway?5:01 | What setbacks were encountered over the course of this study?6:35 | What is the me

In this episode, Ali Abdalbari from the University of Ottawa's Translational and Molecular Medicine (TMM) program speaks with Dr. Morgan Fullerton, Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Ottawa. This episode features a discussion surrounding Dr. Fullerton’s most recent paper, published in the Atherosclerosis Journal (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2024.117608). Dr. Fullerton provides an in-depth overview of his team’s discoveries and offers his expertise in the field of metabolic research, highlighting the importance of model systems of disease and the implications of his research in this field.Learn more: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2024.117608 Fullerton Lab: https://www.fullertonlab.com/0:10 | BEaTS and host introduction0:39 | Introduction to Dr. Fullerton1:39 | Podcast topic introduction1:56 | Guest welcome2:08 | Introduction to atherosclerosis3:44 | Focus of the Fullerton lab: metabolism and AMPK6:32 | Interlude: a study

Maheen Khanotia from the Translational Molecular Medicine program interviews Dr. Barabara Vanderhyden, a distinguished researcher at the Ottawa Hospital and a professor at the University of Ottawa. She is a leading researcher in ovarian cancer, focusing on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. In this podcast, Maheen discusses with Dr. Vanderhyden her key findings in her 2023 paper "BRCA1 and BRCA2 deficient tumor models generate distinct ovarian tumor microenvironments and differential responses to therapy," where they delve into the world of cancer, Dr. Vanderhyden's lab findings, potential treatments, and research advice.Learn more:  https://www.ohri.ca/profile/vanderhydenlab/profile0:05 | BEaTS and host introduction.1:17 | Introduction to Dr. Barbara Vanderhyden.1:39 | How did you come to study ovarian cancer?2:48 | What led you to believe the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are different?3:50 | What is the tumor microenvironment? 4:57 |  What do the research findings mean to the general public?6:05 | W

Lia Morton from the University of Ottawa interviews Dr. Marisa Azad. Dr. Azad is a physician-scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and an Assistant Professor of medicine in the division of infectious diseases at the University of Ottawa. In this episode, Dr. Azad shares her insight and expertise on implant-associated infections (IAIs), notably the challenges of detecting and diagnosing IAIs and emerging diagnostic methods.Learn more: https://www.ohri.ca/newsroom/story/view/1543?l=en   0:00 | BEaTS and host introduction.0:38 | Introduction to Implant-Associated Infections (IAIs)1:40 | Introduction to Dr.Azad.2:11 | Why is IAI diagnosis so difficult, and what makes it particularly challenging?3:39 | Implant types that are notably hard to detect.4:29 | How do biofilms contribute to the formation of IAIs, and what makes them dangerous?7:41 | Limitations associated with microbiological analyses.11:09 |Future work and new approaches considered to identify IAIs.12:59 |The diagnostic methods currently b

Join Kahliana Nguyen and Khaled Najjar, Translational and Molecular Medicine students, as they speak with Dr. Baptiste Lacoste, a neuroscience researcher at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute whose recent work focuses on the critical role of the brain’s vascular system in development.  The episode explores a new perspective on autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and how problems with the brain’s blood vessels in early development may contribute to challenges seen in autism. Dr. Lacoste goes into depth on how these blood vessels play a role in brain growth, energy use, and behavior. By studying these interactions alongside neural and genetic factors, his research opens new avenues in how we understand autism and find better ways to address ASD. Whether you’re a researcher, student, or simply curious, this episode offers an exciting new lens to the field. Learn more: Dr Baptiste Lacoste Dr Baptiste Lacoste | Faculté de médecine https://bsky.app/profile/blacoste.bsky.socialhttps://www.ohri.ca/profile/lacostelab0

Maryam Yassin from the University of Ottawa interviews Dr. Anna Jezierski and Dr. Alex MacKenzie. Dr. Jezierski is a research officer at the Department of Translational Biosciences in the Human Health Therapeutics Research Center at the National Research Council of Canada. She is also an adjunct professor for the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology at the University of Ottawa. In this episode, Dr. Jezierski shares her research on modeling the human blood-brain barrier using induced pluripotent stem cells and the various applications of this model in studying therapeutics for diseases of the central nervous system. We're also joined by Dr. Alex Mackenzie, an attending pediatrician and senior scientist at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). He has served as the CEO and Scientific Director of CHEO Research Institute and is a cross-appointed member of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa. Dr. Mackenzie comments on how this model is revolutionizing drug