The reproducibility crisis: where are we now and how can we progress?

Talking Techniques

#Science #Tech #Podcasting Education #BioTechniques #Life Sciences #Biotechnology

24:35

It’s the very first episode of The Big Pitch with Jimmy Carr and our first guest is Phil Wang! And Phil’s subgenre is…This Place is Evil. We’re talking psychological torture, we’re talking gory death scenes, we’re talking Lorraine Kelly?! The Big Pitch with Jimmy Carr is a brand new comedy podcast where each week a different celebrity guest pitches an idea for a film based on one of the SUPER niche sub-genres on Netflix. From ‘Steamy Crime Movies from the 1970s’ to ‘Australian Dysfunctional Family Comedies Starring A Strong Female Lead’, our celebrity guests will pitch their wacky plot, their dream cast, the marketing stunts, and everything in between. By the end of every episode, Jimmy Carr, Comedian by night / “Netflix Executive” by day, will decide whether the pitch is greenlit or condemned to development hell! Listen on all podcast platforms and watch on the Netflix Is A Joke YouTube Channel . The Big Pitch is a co-production by Netflix and BBC Studios Audio. Jimmy Carr is an award-winning stand-up comedian and writer, touring his brand-new show JIMMY CARR: LAUGHS FUNNY throughout the USA from May to November this year, as well as across the UK and Europe, before hitting Australia and New Zealand in early 2026. All info and tickets for the tour are available at JIMMYCARR.COM Production Coordinator: Becky Carewe-Jeffries Production Manager: Mabel Finnegan-Wright Editor: Stuart Reid Producer: Pete Strauss Executive Producer: Richard Morris Executive Producers for Netflix: Kathryn Huyghue, Erica Brady, and David Markowitz Set Design: Helen Coyston Studios: Tower Bridge Studios Make Up: Samantha Coughlan Cameras: Daniel Spencer Sound: Charlie Emery Branding: Tim Lane Photography: James Hole…

5 years ago 32:36

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In this episode I address the 'reproducibility crisis'. The concerning trend in the life sciences in which published papers and established principals are unable to be repeated by other researchers and, at times, even by the researchers who provided the initial results.

To do this I speak to two researchers driving forward reproducibility in the life sciences, Marc Raphael from the United States Naval Research Laboratory, and Elizabeth Iorns, CEO of Science Exchange. Marc discusses his recent trial of independent verification and validation (IV&V) labs in a live science setting, highlighting the lessons learned from the experience and exploring the differences observed in attitudes and approaches to reproducibility between the life sciences and engineering, where mark began his career.

Elizabeth discusses her work with Science Exchange and the reproducibility project: cancer biology. Elizabeth notes the key themes that have been exposed by the reproducibility project that are holding back the resolution of the crisis and explains what she thinks has worked so far in improving reproducibility.

This leads to a fascinating discussion between Marc and Elizabeth, comparing and contrasting their experiences and noting the different challenges that they face in trying to improve the state of research in the life sciences. In fact, their camaraderie was so strong that interviewing these two was a real treat and for lots of it, it was much better for me to sit back and watch as they debated a topic that they are both clearly very passionate about!

I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed recording this episode!

The Talking Techniques podcast is hosted and produced by Tristan Free for BioTechniques. We would love to here more from our listeners about your opinions on the podcast, what you would like to hear more of and what you think we could do better!

Please get in contact on any of the platforms below.

Twitter: @TristanFreefsg

Email: tfree@biotechniques.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

60 episodes

Talking Techniques

The reproducibility crisis: where are we now and how can we progress?

Talking Techniques

11 subscribers

published 5 years ago

MP3•Episode home

I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed recording this episode!

Please get in contact on any of the platforms below.

Twitter: @TristanFreefsg

Email: tfree@biotechniques.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

60 episodes

#Science #Tech #Podcasting Education #BioTechniques #Life Sciences #Biotechnology

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Talking Techniques

1
Skills-based teaching and microcredentialing in STEM 54:22

42 weeks ago54:22

54:22

This episode of Talking Technique deviates slightly from specific lab technologies to instead discuss techniques and methods we use for teaching and testing life sciences. To do this, I’m speaking to two pioneers of unconventional teaching and testing approaches to STEM education. Angela Consani is the Co-Founder and CEO of the Bioscience Core Skills Institute (KS, USA). This skills-first microcredential program provides certification for lab skills in techniques, safety and quality control, using performance-based practical testing. Natalie Kuldell is the Founder and Executive Director of Biobuilder (MA, USA), a nonprofit organization, set up to increase interest, understanding and engagement in STEM by converting lab research projects in into teachable modules aimed primarily at the pre-graduate level to give students the practical skills needed for a career in the life sciences. Together, we’ll question the current system of STEM education and training and whether it captures all the potential talent that could be channeled into the life sciences, best serving all the roles available in the industry. Contents: Introductions: 00:00-03:00 Introducing BioBuilder: 03:00-07:00 What industry wants from skills-based testing: 07:00-11:25 How well do current university degrees meet these requirements: 11:25-15:40 Designing curriculums to meet the requirements of industry and updating life science education to meet the demands of a new world: 15:40-21:55 The practicalities of a skills-based curriculum: 21:45-23:50 Conducting skill-based testing: 23:50-28:40 Testing BioBuilder’s curriculum: 28:40-32:00 Can skills-based courses really provide the underlying knowledge needed to flourish in a career in STEM: 32:00-37:00 How the biotech industry is responding to skills-based teaching and testing: 37:00-46:00 The interplay between testing and learning and industry: 46:00-51:20 Outro: 51:20-54:00 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Talking Techniques

1
Antigen validation and T-cell receptor engineering for cancer immunotherapies 19:41

47 weeks ago19:41

19:41

This episode of the Talking Techniques podcast dives into the realm of cancer immunotherapies, focusing on antigen discovery and T-cell receptor engineering for T-cell therapies. Guiding us through the field is Jim Heath, President of the Institute for Systems Biology in Seattle, where he runs the Heath Lab, investigating fundamental immunology, and infectious and chronic diseases. Jim discusses the computational models and wet lab techniques he uses to characterize T cells, the importance of targeting a balanced immune response with immunotherapies and more in this podcast recorded at AACR 2024 (5th–10th April 2024; San Diego, CA, USA). Contents: Introductions: 00:00-02:00 Intro to cancer vaccines and T-cell therapies: 02:00-04:00 Antigen detection and validation in T-cell therapies: 04:00-05:20 Wet lab and computational techniques for antigen detection: 05:20-09:15 The importance of a balanced immune response to cancer immunotherapies: 09:15-10:30 Technological developments in antigen detection: 10:30-13:45 Tips for best practice when conducting T-cell receptor design 13:45-15:40 What is one thing you would like to see change in the field of antigen detection and T-cell receptor engineering? 15:40-16:30 Designing the path towards a more balanced immune response from immunotherapies 16:30-19:40 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Talking Techniques

1
Cytokines: from therapeutics to diagnostics 26:11

48 weeks ago26:11

26:11

In this episode of Talking Techniques, Ritwika Biswas, Field Application Scientist at Sino Biological US Inc. (PA, USA), discusses the use of cytokines in immunotherapy. Ritwika details the role of cytokines in the body, before going on to discuss how they can be used as therapeutics and to guide treatment decisions. Ritwika also shares how she thinks these proteins will be used in the future. Contents · Introduction: 00:00–01:35 · The role of cytokines in the body: 01:35–02:52 · Immune regulation and signaling: 02:52–05:40 · Cytokine interactions and networks: 05:40–08:42 · Modulating cytokine activity for therapeutic purposes: 08:42–12:35 · The influence of cytokines on immunotherapy outcomes: 12:35–16:04 · Using cytokines to predict treatment responses and guide immunotherapy decisions: 16:04–20:44 · The importance of standardizing and validating cytokine diagnostic assays: 20:44–24:36 · The future of cytokines in immunotherapy: 24:36–26:11 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Talking Techniques

1
Spatial analysis of the immune-cell-surface proteome at a single-cell resolution 23:58

1 year ago23:58

23:58

The cell-surface proteome plays a critical role in immune-cell function; however, our ability to examine its interactions and spatial organization has previously been limited by available proteomic techniques. This episode explores the function of immune-cell membrane proteins and how the latest developments in spatial proteomics have enabled more detailed interrogation of these proteins and their spatial relationships. Our guest, Hanna van Ooijen, Immunology Application Scientist at Pixelgen Technologies guides us through the field, revealing a new technique that enables spatial analysis of the cell-surface proteome at a single-cell resolution and highlighting some exciting discoveries that it has facilitated. Contents: Introductions: 00:00-01:40 Introducing Molecular Pixelation: 01:40-02:15 Example applications of Molecular Pixelation: 02:15-03:20 The role of membrane proteins in immune cell function: 03:20-07:25 Traditional techniques to investigate cell membrane proteins: 07:15-10:20 Recent improvements in investigative technology and our understanding of immunology: 10:20-11:10 Challenges associated with current technologies: 11:10-13:50 How Molecular Pixelation can address these challenges: 13:50-15:25 Molecular Pixelation workflow: 15:25-17:55 Tips for best practice when using molecular pixelation: 17:55-19:30 Exciting discoveries using Molecular pixelations: 19:30-21:00 Potential implications of molecular pixelation for the future of immunology: 21:00-24:00 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Talking Techniques

1
Investigating the neurological pathways underlying vocal communication 34:27

1 year ago34:27

34:27

In this episode of Talking Techniques, we catch up with Michael Long, Principle Investigator of the Long Lab at New York University (NY, USA), where he investigates the neural circuits that underlie vocal communication. Through the examination of animal models, from songbirds to the rare singing mice of Costa Rica, with cutting-edge imaging techniques Michael reveals fascinating insights into vocal communication. We also discuss his human experiments, working alongside neurosurgeons, with emerging electrophysiological probes to monitor the neural activity of participants as they speak and interact, ultimately revealing how this research could begin to provide solutions for neurological conditions impacting communication, such as autism. Contents: Introduction: 00:00 – 01:40 Investigating neural circuits underlying vocal communication: 01:40 – 04:15 Techniques to explore animal models of vocal communication: 04:15 – 06:25 The impact of cooling brain regions on songbird singing: 06:25 – 07:50 The techniques used to investigate animal models: 07:50 – 12:20 Songbirds: 07:50 – 09:45 The singing mouse: 10:00 – 12:20 Investigating neural circuits in humans during speech: 12:20 – 16:30 Investigating neural circuits in humans during conversation: 16:30 – 19:00 Moving beyond neural area identification towards understanding neural pathways and mechanisms: 19:00 – 21:40 Navigating neuropixels, big data and safety: 21:40 – 26:10 If there was one thing you could ask for to help you better understand these pathways, what would it be? 26:10 – 27:55 The experience of working with patients undergoing neurosurgery: 27:55 – 30:30 The potential impact on speech disorders and autism: 30:30 – 33:15 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Talking Techniques

1
Rare disease and pharmacogenomics 20:18

1 year ago20:18

20:18

Launching our fourth season of Talking Techniques, this episode, supported by the University of Cincinnati (OH, USA) we delve into rare disease research and pharmacogenomics, their intersection and the key techniques used to explore them. Guiding us through these fields is Brenna Carey, an Assistant Professor at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center whose research focuses on rare disease pathogenesis, diagnostics and therapeutic development and who also runs key courses on the University’s Pharmacogenomics and Drug Discovery Masters degree programs. Contents: Introduction: 00:00-01:15 An introduction to pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) and rare lung diseases 01:15-03:50 Techniques to investigate the pathogenesis of PAP: 03:50-05:30 Developing diagnostics and therapeutics for PAP: 05:30-08:20 The importance of pharmacogenomics in drug development: 08:20-11:25 Key techniques and approaches in pharmacogenomics: 11:25-13:00 Emerging trends in pharmacogenomics: 13:00-15:05 Key takeaways from your pharmacogenomics course: 15:00-18:00 What would you ask for to improve our understanding of pharmacogenomics? 18:00-20:15 This episode is supported by the University of Cincinnati Online Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Talking Techniques

1
One man’s waste in another man’s treasure: using wastewater to monitor infectious diseases 20:47

1 year ago20:47

20:47

In this episode of Talking Techniques, we talk to Andrew Lee, a senior research fellow in Queen’s University Belfast’s (UK) wastewater-based epidemiology group, about his work using wastewater to monitor and detect infectious diseases. Andrew discusses how wastewater surveillance acts as an early warning system, providing novel, unbiased insights into human and animal pathogens that are circulating within a community, and how this can contribute to a ‘One Health’ approach. He also explains how he has incorporated nanopore sequencing into his work, and the advantages that this provides. Contents: · 00:00–01:45: Introductions · 01:45–03:45: Wastewater surveillance for infectious disease · 03:45–05:35: Genomic surveillance approaches can complement established epidemiological methods · 05:35–07:25: Why look at wastewater? · 07:25–10:40: The advantages of nanopore sequencing for wastewater surveillance · 10:40–12:25: The experimental workflow · 12:25–15:05: Using wastewater surveillance to detect both human and avian influenza · 15:05–18:20: Wastewater surveillance as an early warning system · 18:20–20:47: Future perspectives: other environmental samples, antimicrobial resistance and what else can be found in wastewater? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Talking Techniques

1
Next-generation antibody therapeutics 24:52

2 years ago24:52

24:52

In this episode of Talking Techniques, we speak to two experts from Sino Biological US Inc. (PA, USA) about the latest developments in antibody technologies and how these developments have led to the next generation of antibodies that are revolutionizing therapeutic approaches to a number of diseases. With the guidance of Field Scientist Ritwika Biswas and Technical Account Manager Grace Liu, we explore the challenges of developing and working with next-generation antibodies, the latest developments and applications of these molecules and the holy grail that antibody designers are driving towards. Contents: Introduction: 00:00 – 02:40 The history of monoclonal antibody therapeutics: 02:40 – 04:40 The working principles of multi-specific antibodies: 04:40 – 08:15 Recent developments in ADCs: 08:15 – 11:35 Challenges with the development of multi-specific antibodies and ADCs: 11:35 – 13:55 Solutions to address these challenges: 13:55 – 16:25 Clinical applications of multi-specific antibodies and ADCs: 16:25 – 20:30 The dream of real-time adaptability for the next generation of antibody therapeutics: 20:30 – 24:52 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Talking Techniques

1
Investigating resistant leukemia with single-cell technologies 9:50

2 years ago9:50

9:50

In this episode of Talking Techniques, Rachel Thijssen, an Assistant Professor at Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC; the Netherlands), discusses her research using single-cell analyses to investigate treatment-resistant leukemia cells. Rachel explains her single-cell technique called rapid capture hybridization sequencing (RaCH-seq), how she utilizes nanopore sequencing, and how she hopes that this technique can be used to gain new insights into disease and improve therapies. Contents: 00:00–01:35: Introduction 01:35–03:25: Single-cell sequencing in leukemia research 03:25–05:15: What is single-cell RaCH-seq? 05:15–06:10: Using nanopore sequencing for RaCH-seq 06:10–07:30: How can other researchers apply RaCH-seq to their work? 07:30–09:50: Looking to the future: spatial biology, collaborations and improved therapies Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Talking Techniques

1
CAR-T and CAR-NK cell therapies 27:35

2 years ago27:35

27:35

In this episode of Talking Techniques, Ritwika Biswas, Field Scientist at Sino Biological US Inc. (PA, USA), walks us through the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) development process and how T and natural killer (NK) cells can be utilized to carry these modular synthetic molecules. Ritwika also addresses the safety and efficacy of these cell therapies as well as the ethical considerations around them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Talking Techniques

1
Mitochondria, the immune system and cancer: discovering new insights with spatial technologies 24:28

2 years ago24:28

24:28

In this episode, supported by Fortis Life Sciences, we delve into the relationship between mitochondria, inflammation and cancer, discussing the new techniques that are bearing fruit in this field, such as spatial analysis. Our expert insight for this episode comes from Phillip West, Principle Investigator of the West lab at Texas A&M Medicine (TX, USA). Philip explains the role mitochondria can play in cancer and heart disease, reveals some of his most exciting discoveries of late and provides technical tips for investigating this field. Listen on to discover how his use of spatial techniques has helped uncover mechanisms linking mitochondrial damage to the stifling of the immune system in the tumor microenvironment and the latest breakthroughs at the intersection of mitochondria and cancer. Contents: Introduction: 00:00-01:30 The innate immune system, in inflammation and disease: 01:30-04:20 The role of mitochondria in innate immunity: 04:20-07:00 Categorizing DAMPS and their role in cardiovascular disease: 07:00-08:40 Mitochondria and cancer: 08:40-11:55 Techniques for the investigation of mitochondria: 11:55-15:20 Best practice techniques for spatial studies: 15:20-17:35 Discoveries made using spatial approaches to mitochondrial investigations: 17:35-19:55 The latest developments in the intersection of mitochondria, cancer and inflammation: 19:55-22:20 What is one thing you would ask for to improve your understanding of this field? 22:20-24:20 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Talking Techniques

1
Long-read sequencing, metagenomics and the microbiome 22:18

2 years ago22:18

22:18

In this episode, sponsored by Zymo Research, we explore the microbiome and how long-read sequencing techniques are changing our approach to the field and the exciting discoveries that they have led to. To do this we speak to Kris Locken, Molecular Biologist in the Research & Development department of Zymo Research (CA, USA), and Jeremy Wilkinson, Global Marketing Specialist for Microbial Genomics at PacBio (CA, USA). Find out how microbes compare to nuts and what this means for the challenges of metagenomic sample preparation, how long reads can stack up vs short reads for metagenome assembly and much more, all in this latest episode of Talking Techniques Contents: Intro: 00:00-01:55 What is metagenomics and why is it important for microbial studies? 01:55-03:55 How has long-read sequencing impacted metagenomics? 03:55-06:05 Long-read vs short-read sequencing workflows: 06:05-07:15 Addressing barriers to long-read sequencing: 07:15-08:45 Sample preparation for long-read sequencing: 08:45-12:20 Development of long-read sequencing to improve accuracy and capabilities: 12:20-14:40 Best practice for assembly and analysis: 14:40-17:40 Exciting examples of the benefits of long-read sequencing: 17:40-20:00 What would you wish for to improve the ability long-read sequencing in microbiomics: 20:00-21:40 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Talking Techniques

1
Open neuroscience and the meaning of FAIR 37:53

2 years ago37:53

37:53

This episode, our second recorded at Neuroscience 2022 (13-19th April 2022; San Diego, CA, USA), delves into the importance of open data in neuroscience and the FAIR guidelines, which encourage researchers to make their data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable. Sharing her considerable expertise in this area is one of the authors of the FAIR guidelines, Maryann Martone, who provides some key examples of the successes that open data practices have delivered so far and cautionary tales for how current practices are damaging the field. Listen on to find out how to implement open data practices, how they can help your lab and why Maryann sees it as our responsibility to resolve! Contents: Introduction: 00:00-02:00 Introducing open neuroscience and the meaning of FAIR 02:00-03:00 Exposing outdated paradigms in science: academic targets, publications, reproducibility and data accessibility: 03:00-06.30 Incentivizing open data and reassigning value restructuring academia: 06:30-08.40 The impact of FAIR within labs: 08:40-09:50 Challenges of establishing and barriers to Open and FAIR neuroscience 09:50-12:00 The reception of these guidelines in the field: 12:00-16:50 Examples of the impact of open data in the spinal cord injury community: 16:50-18:10 Marryann’s experience of enacting changes early in her career: 18:10-21:20 Judging value in scientific research and understanding your purpose: 21:20-24:20 The importance of investment: 24:20-26:30 The impact of industry on lab data: 26:30-27:50 Practical tips for addressing your lab data: 27:50-31:10 Key tips for preparing data for an open-source repository 31:10-33.15 The FAIR data principles explained: 33.15-37:50 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Talking Techniques

1
Welcome to the jungle: sequencing for conservation 43:22

2 years ago43:22

43:22

In this episode of Talking Techniques, we head to the Ecuadorian rainforest to chat about the use of sequencing in conservation with Zane Libke, a field researcher based at Sumak Kawsay In Situ (Pastaza, Ecuador). Zane discusses how he turned his fascination with nature into a career, his current work using nanopore sequencing technologies to find undescribed species and helping train future field researchers. We also explore the benefits of fighting biodiversity in a more local-centric way and using research to protect the area from exploitative companies. Contents: Intro: 00:00–01:35 Zane’s work at Sumak Kawsay In Situ: 01:35–05:05 Turning a fascination with nature into a career: 05:05–08:20 The importance of sequencing for conservation: 08:20–12:25 Technologies being used to sequence in the field: 12:25–14:15 Portable nanopore sequencing with the MinION: 13:15–15:35 Exporting samples means exporting opportunity: 15:35–18:40 The sequencing workflow: 17:40–24:50 Data processing: 24:50–27:45 Using these technologies to find undescribed species: 27:45–32:20 Fighting biodiversity loss in a more local-centric way: 32:20–34:55 Using research to protect the area from exploitation: 34:55–38:50 What the future holds: 38:50–43:22 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Talking Techniques

1
Neuropixels: big data heaven or burying the lead in averages? 19:30

2 years ago19:30