Bölümler
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The last decade has been called the decade of the reproducibility crisis—but this isn’t just a temporary flare-up. It’s a chronic, structural issue that cuts across disciplines and impacts the very foundation of how we produce and trust scientific knowledge. In this episode, we speak with members of the ReproducibiliTea Journal Club, a grassroots movement that empowers early-career researchers to tackle problems in reproducibility head-on by building local communities focused on open, transparent science.
Together, we explore how flawed incentives, poor data practices, and a culture of publishing over precision have led to a growing erosion of trust in science—from questionable p-values to the exclusion of inconvenient data. And while some of this is driven by pressure or lack of funding rather than bad faith, the consequences are real—especially in fields like biomedicine, where shaky evidence can risk patient lives.
But it’s not all bad news. By reading and discussing papers that critically engage with the replication crisis, this journal club is quietly shifting research culture—one department, one cup of tea at a time.
Vootele Voiker is Research Coordinator in Mouse Behavioural Phenotyping Facility at the Animal Center Lab in University of Helsinki
Anastasiia Marmyleva is doctoral researcher working in the field of mitochondria and metabolism at the University of Helsinki
Find their podcast to learn more: https://soundcloud.com/reproducibilitea
Your host for this episode is Sujai Banerji
Editing by Kerttu Kalander
Episode cover by Anubhuti Bhatnagar
TSB podcast logo by Tomás Garnier Artínano
Jingle by Havelocke: www.thisishavelocke.bandcamp.com
Follow The Science Basement:
Homepage: www.thesciencebasement.org
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Instagram: @sciencebasement
Twitter: @ScienceBasement
Email: [email protected] -
Puberty, a process nearly all of us are familiar with - voice cracks and growth spurts to sudden mood swings and acne surprises all included! But how does puberty actually begin? In this episode, Rhianon and Uka sit down with Nidhi Madhusudan, to talk about the key to puberty - Gonadotropin hormone-releasing hormone (GnRH). Join us to dive into how GnRH triggers puberty from within the brain, what it takes to study such processes in the lab and some exciting findings from Nidhi’s research to date.
Nidhi Madhusudan has an MSc in Neuroscience from Graduate school of Systemic Neurosciences LMU Munich and is currently a doctoral researcher in the Raivio lab at The University of Helsinki.
Your hosts for this episode are Rhiannon Newman & Uranbaigal Turmunkh
Editing by Rhiannon Newman
Episode cover by Anubhuti Bhatnagar
TSB podcast logo by Tomás Garnier Artínano
Jingle by Havelocke: www.thisishavelocke.bandcamp.com
Follow The Science Basement:
Homepage: www.thesciencebasement.org
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Instagram: @sciencebasement
Twitter: @ScienceBasement
Email: [email protected] -
Eksik bölüm mü var?
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We’re kicking off Season 5 with a roundtable chat between the hosts! In this episode, we look back at some of the most interesting research we’ve come across over the past year—those discoveries that made us say, “Whoa, that’s amazing!” From scavenger birds and learning bees to tackling sustainability challenges, we’re covering a little bit of everything.
But that’s not all—we’re also pulling back the curtain on our own research. Each of us shares what we’ve been working on and what’s coming next. Whether it’s finishing a thesis, communicating science, or chasing new ideas, we’re giving you an inside look at the work we do when we’re away from the mic.
Plus, we dive into the bigger picture: how science intersects with politics, sustainability, and society. Where is research heading? What should we be paying attention to in the coming year? Join us for a fun, insightful, and curiosity-fueled conversation to kick off Season 5!
The guests for this episode were:
Sujai Banerji, PhD student in the Department of Physics, University of Helsinki
Uranbaigal Turmunkh, Master's Student in Urban Studies & Planning, University of Helsinki
Emmi Olkkonen, Ph.D. student in Helsinki Institute of Life Science
Editing by Kerttu Kalander
Episode cover by Anubhuti Bhatnagar
TSB podcast logo by Tomás Garnier Artínano
Jingle by Havelocke: www.thisishavelocke.bandcamp.com
Follow The Science Basement:
Homepage: www.thesciencebasement.org
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Instagram: @sciencebasement
Twitter: @ScienceBasement
Email: [email protected] -
In our final episode of TSB x HiLife series, we discuss how to translate research into impactful innovations. We spoke to Sarah O’Keefe, a passionate scientist and innovator, about practical strategies for bridging the gap between academia and real-world applications.
Drawing from her own journey of developing 'mitoguarder,' Sarah shares actionable insights, personal experiences, and real-world examples to guide you in identifying opportunities, overcoming challenges, and creating meaningful impact through your research. Whether you're just beginning to think about innovation or ready to take the leap, this podcast will inspire and equip you to to turn your research into a real world solution.
Dr Sarah O' Keefe is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme in University of Helsinki, Finland
Find her research on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-o-keefe-81b602b4/
X (formerly twitter): @sokeefe91
Learn everything about Mitoguarder on: www.linkedin.com/company/mitoguarder
Your hosts for this episode are Rhiannon Newman & Rose Lydiah Makunja
Editing by Alexis Engrand
Episode cover by Anubhuti Bhatnagar
TSB podcast logo by Tomás Garnier Artínano
Jingle by Havelocke: www.thisishavelocke.bandcamp.com
Follow The Science Basement:
Homepage: www.thesciencebasement.org
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Instagram: @sciencebasement
Twitter: @ScienceBasement
Email: [email protected] -
What does it take to study the natural world up close? In this episode, your hosts, Sujai & Emmi, explore the dual challenges of understanding species’ remarkable adaptations to environmental change and navigating the risks of fieldwork. Our guest, Dr Katja Rönkä, shares fascinating insights into the behavioral and evolutionary strategies animals use to survive, from cuckoos outsmarting their hosts to predators learning to avoid toxic prey.
Katja also dives into the realities of field research—staying calm in disorienting reeds, avoiding encounters with moose and ticks, and the life-saving magic of duct tape! This episode is packed with stories and advice for aspiring field biologists and nature enthusiasts alike.
Dr Katja Rönkä is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences in University of Helsinki, Finland
Your hosts for this episode are Sujai Banerji & Emmi Olkkonen
Editing by Iina Sivonen
Episode cover by Anubhuti Bhatnagar
TSB podcast logo by Tomás Garnier Artínano
Jingle by Havelocke: www.thisishavelocke.bandcamp.com
Follow The Science Basement:
Homepage: www.thesciencebasement.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ScienceBasement
Instagram: @sciencebasement
Twitter: @ScienceBasement
Email: [email protected] -
This episode kicks off our TSB x HiLIFE mini-series collaboration: Experience the thrill of discovery. In this first episode of the podcast our hosts, Rhiannon & Sujai, dive into the intersection of scientific publishing and impact with two insightful guests, Pekka & Rafael. Together, they share their personal reflections on how studies evolve from small beginnings to larger, impactful projects, and how chasing high impact from the start can often lead to frustration. The conversation touches on the unpredictability of research relevance, including the role of timing or "luck" in publishing. Join us for a candid discussion on redefining success in academia and the complex relationship between quality, impact, and personal fulfillment in research.
Pekka Vartiainen is an MD-PhD, resident doctor in pediatrics from University of Helsinki currently studying the risk factors and consequences of children’s infections, in Norwegian Institute for Public Health, Oslo.
Rafael Moliner is a PhD researcher in Neuroscience at the University of Helsinki.
Find their publications here:
Psychedelics promote plasticity by directly binding to BDNF receptor TrkB | Nature Neuroscience [https://shorturl.at/RxF6M]
Risk factors for severe respiratory syncytial virus infection during the first year of life: development and validation of a clinical prediction model [https://shorturl.at/Pz8CO]
Your hosts for this episode are Rhiannon Newman & Sujai Banerji
Editing by Kerttu Kalander
Episode cover by Anubhuti Bhatnagar
TSB podcast logo by Tomás Garnier Artínano
Jingle by Havelocke: www.thisishavelocke.bandcamp.com
Follow The Science Basement:
Homepage: www.thesciencebasement.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ScienceBasement
Instagram: @sciencebasement
Twitter: @ScienceBasement
Email: [email protected] -
How do shapes transform when stretched, twisted, or deformed, yet still retain key properties? In this episode, Sujai and Rhiannon sit down with Jonathan Pim, a curious doctoral student trying to figure out just this. Together, they explore how quasi-conformal geometry allows mathematicians to map and manipulate spaces in unique ways. They also talk about what a day in the life of a mathematics PhD student looks like, and how did he end up working on this fascinating topic. Tune in and listen to them bring some abstract ideas to life.
Jonathan Pim is a PhD student in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Helsinki, Finland.
Your hosts for this episode are Sujai Banerji & Rhiannon Newman
Editing by Kerttu Kalander
Episode cover by Anubhuti Bhatnagar
TSB podcast logo by Tomás Garnier Artínano
Jingle by Havelocke: www.thisishavelocke.bandcamp.com
Follow The Science Basement:
Homepage: www.thesciencebasement.org
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Instagram: @sciencebasement
Twitter: @ScienceBasement
Email: [email protected] -
Cancer has long been one of the most formidable challenges in healthcare, with traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation often coming with severe side effects and limited effectiveness. But now, synthetic biology is offering new hope. By designing and engineering biological systems at the molecular level, researchers are pioneering therapies that target cancer cells with unprecedented precision. From programming immune cells to recognize and destroy tumors, to creating personalized treatments that adapt to individual patients' needs, synthetic biology is transforming how we understand and fight cancer. Join us as we explore the science behind these cutting-edge treatments, and hear from members of the Aalto-Helsinki iGem team, Nisa & Ardalan, working on these solutions. Whether you're a healthcare professional, a patient, or simply curious about the future of medicine, this episode is sure to provide fascinating insights into the role of synthetic biology in the fight against cancer.
Nisa Rashid is an MSc student at University of Helsinki in Genetic & Molecular Biosciences. Ardalan Rahimipour is an MSc student at Aalto University in Biotechnology.
Your hosts for this episode are Sujai Banerji & Rhiannon Newman
Editing by Kerttu Kalander
Episode cover by Anubhuti Bhatnagar
TSB podcast logo by Tomás Garnier Artínano
Jingle by Havelocke: www.thisishavelocke.bandcamp.com
Follow The Science Basement:
Homepage: www.thesciencebasement.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ScienceBasement
Instagram: @sciencebasement
Twitter: @ScienceBasement
Email: [email protected] -
Scientific misinformation is all around us. How can we tell fact from fiction when it comes to our health? Where can we find clear and credible sources of information to help us answer our questions? Join us in this week’s episode of The Science Basement podcast as Rhiannon and Rose learn all about iHealthFacts, a platform developed to do just that. Alongside iHealthFacts lead researcher Paula Byrne, we learn what goes on behind the scenes of iHealthFacts and how a question submitted by the general public to iHealthFacts gets answered. Dr. Paula Byrne is a senior postdoctoral researcher with Evidence Synthesis Ireland and HRB-Trials Methodology Research Network at the University of Galway, Ireland. She is the lead researcher on iHealthFacts; a health fact-checking website.Your hosts for this episode are Rhiannon Newman & Roselydiah Makunja. Editing by Iina Sivonen.Episode cover by Sujai Banerji.TSB podcast logo by Tomás Garnier Artínano.Jingle by Havelocke: www.thisishavelocke.bandcamp.comFollow The Science Basement:Homepage: www.thesciencebasement.orgFacebook: www.facebook.com/ScienceBasementInstagram: @sciencebasementTwitter: @ScienceBasementEmail: [email protected] find out more about iHealthFacts or to submit your scientific queries visit https://ihealthfacts.ie/. Check out their social media at: @pbyrne82 and @iHealthFacts1.
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Ever thought how your fruits and vegetables are transported from field to supermarket shelf? And how does packaging play its role in keeping produce fresh? Join us in this week’s episode of The Science Basement podcast as Rhiannon and Rose chat to Kateřina to learn all about her research into active packaging and its role in extending the shelf life of the fruit and vegetables we consume.
Kateřina Zítková is a Ph.D. student at the University of Helsinki.
Your hosts for this episode are Rhiannon Newman & Roselydiah Makunja.
Editing by Kerttu Kalander.
Episode cover by Sujai Banerji.
TSB podcast logo by Tomás Garnier Artínano.
Jingle by Havelocke: www.thisishavelocke.bandcamp.com
Follow The Science Basement:
Homepage: www.thesciencebasement.org
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Instagram: @sciencebasement
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Email: [email protected] -
Have you ever wondered how a COVID-19 or flu test works? Or how these types of biosensors are made? Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of biosensors and uncover why these tiny devices are revolutionizing healthcare and technology. In this episode, we explore the critical role of biosensors in monitoring health, the profound impact of the pandemic on their development and use, and the intricate challenges in making them both specific and sensitive. We'll also discuss the highly competitive landscape where only a few innovative ideas survive to become successful commercial products. Tune in to understand the science, the struggles, and the future potential of biosensors.
Your hosts this week are Rhiannon Newman & Katja Kaurinkoski
Editing by Kerttu Kalander
Episode cover by Sujai Banerji
TSB podcast logo by Tomás Garnier Artínano
Jingle by Havelocke: www.thisishavelocke.bandcamp.com
Follow The Science Basement:
Homepage: www.thesciencebasement.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ScienceBasement
Instagram: @sciencebasement
Twitter: @ScienceBasement
Email: [email protected] -
Ever wondered what happens within the first five days after conception? What genes are responsible for triggering the first few cell divisions of embryo development? And how can understanding this process lead to improved IVF success rates? Join this week's episode of The Science Basement podcast as Rhiannon and Rose chat to Nina Boskovic about her research into understanding the genetic mechanisms after fertilisation and the specialised techniques she uses to uncover this!
Nina Boskovic has an MSc in clinical Embryology from the University of Oxford and is currently working towards her PhD at Karolinska Institutet (Sweden) and University of Helsinki. Alongside her PhD, Nina has launched an IVF consultancy company, Nina Fertility, which aims to help people going through IVF treatment.
Nina Fertility's Instagram handle: https://www.instagram.com/nina.fertility?igsh=ZnR0Ym4wbWhhNXB0&utm_source=qr
Nina’s recent publications:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102357
https://doi.org/10.1007%2Fs10815-024-03038-4
Editing by Steven Simmonds.
Episode cover by Sujai Banerji.
TSB podcast logo by Tomás Garnier Artínano.
Jingle by Havelocke: www.thisishavelocke.bandcamp.com
Follow The Science Basement:
Homepage: www.thesciencebasement.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ScienceBasement
Instagram: @sciencebasement
Twitter: @ScienceBasement
Email: [email protected] -
Let's take a journey into the afterlife of your closet. What happens to the clothes that do not go to the charity shops or second hand retailers? Who manages that waste and who is impacted by it? Find out the answers in this episode of the science basement as the hosts Rhiannon and Sujai speak to Anubhuti. Together we look at the ongoing research activities trying to transition the textile sector from a take-make-waste approach to a more circular approach involving reduce-reuse-recycle thinking.
Anubhuti Bhatnagar has a DSc in Energy Engineering from Tampere University and is currently a postdoctoral researcher at Aalto University working on social impact assessment of textile waste management.
Follow Anubhuti on https://twitter.com/banubhuti
Read about all the good work happening in the EU on textile sector at textile-platform.eu/eu-projects. Find like-minded people looking to extend clothing life through www.conferencemanager.dk/participatio…tion/program
Your hosts this week are Sujai Banerji and Rhiannon Newman
Edited by Kerttu Kalander
Episode cover by Marie-Noëlle Pauludetto
Description by Sujai Banerji
TSB podcast logo by Tomás Garnier Artiñano.
Jingle by Havelocke: thisishavelocke.bandcamp.com
Follow The Science Basement:
Homepage: www.thesciencebasement.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ScienceBasement
Instagram: @sciencebasement
Twitter: @ScienceBasement
Email: [email protected] -
Explore Alzheimer's disease with us on this episode of The Science Basement Podcast! Hosts Giuliano and Pritakshi chat with Alejandra Castilla B. Together, we dive into what causes Alzheimer's disease and all the latest research surrounding the models to study the disease. From animal models to 'mini-brains' grown in the lab from patients' blood cells, we break down the science for you. Join us for a fascinating discussion on neurodegenerative diseases and the exciting developments in the field.
Alejandra Castilla B is a biomedical Engineer (Universidad de los Andes, Colombia) and Master in Neurophysiology (University of Regina, SK, Canada), lecturer and TEDx scientist in Alzheimer's disease, who is currently doing a Ph.D. in Medical Biophysics at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. She loves to study biomaterials and tissue engineering and has experience in academia as a researcher and laboratory instructor in neurosciences and biosciences, and in regulatory affairs for medical device approval. She is the designer of biomedical devices and software and the founder of Linkiu App, an application that aims to be the technological strategy to connect medical personnel with medical supply providers.
TEDx Talk Aljandra Castillo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYVT5fCupug&t=196s
Fun Fact, Rats giggling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-84UJpYFRM&pp=ygUMdGlja2xpc2ggcmF0 -
Ever stubbed your toe and questioned reality? Buckle up, because this episode dives deep into the "ouch" that binds us all! Join us as we unravel the mysteries of pain perception. Our guest, Helena Hartmann shares her insights into the intricate anatomy of agony, drawing from her extensive research employing neuroimaging, neuromodulation, and behavioral experiments. Beyond her scientific endeavors, Helena opens up about her journey with science communication.
So, tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that'll leave you appreciating (or maybe questioning?) the next time you bump your funny bone.
Helena is currently employed as a postdoctoral researcher at the Bingellab (Clinical Neurosciences) at the University Hospital Essen. Her research interests revolve around understanding the factors influencing how individuals perceive pain, both in themselves and in others. Her scientific approach strongly aligns with open scholarship principles. In addition to her research endeavors, she actively participates in and teaches science communication.
Helena’s Twitter: @helenahhartmann
More about Helena’s Science and Fiction project: https://scienceandfiction.net/
Your hosts this week are Pritakshi Das and Katja Kaurinkoski.
Edited by Steven Simmonds.
Episode cover by Katja Kaurinkoski
Description by Pritakshi Das
TSB podcast logo by Tomás Garnier Artiñano.
Jingle by Havelocke: thisishavelocke.bandcamp.com
Follow The Science Basement:
Homepage: www.thesciencebasement.org
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Instagram: @sciencebasement
Twitter: @ScienceBasement
Email: [email protected] -
As another productive year is coming to an end, we are reflecting on all the wonderful topics we got to explore. In this episode, Eleanna, Rhiannon, Sujai, and Anastasiia are sharing their favourite The Science Basement episodes of 2023. Undoubtedly, the hardest choices they had to make the whole year!
Tell us what you think of our podcast!
forms.gle/jfN2sm2q8ZEUXS7K9
Your hosts this week are Anastasiia Marmyleva, Eleanna Asvestari, Rhiannon Newman, & Sujai Banerji.
Edited by Steven Simmonds.
Episode cover by Anastasiia Marmyleva.
TSB podcast logo by Tomàs Garnier Artiñano.
Jingle by Havelocke. thisishavelocke.bandcamp.com
Follow The Science Basement:
Homepage: www.thesciencebasement.org
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Instagram: @sciencebasement
Twitter: @ScienceBasement
Email: [email protected] -
While being captivated by the constant chase for publications, researchers should not neglect other aspects of their work. Every project is driven by a noble goal to improve lives and futures of people. It is not uncommon for research to translate beyond the lab bench applications. It also possesses the power to influence policymakers.
To unwrap this topic, we invited two guests. Marjo Saastamoinen is an associate professor, Helsinki Institute of Life Science HiLIFE. And Kirsi Mikkonen is a Professor at the Department of Food and Nutrition, Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science.
Tell us what you think of our podcast!
forms.gle/jfN2sm2q8ZEUXS7K9
Your hosts this week are Katja Kaurinkoski & Rhiannon Newman.
Edited by Kerttu Kalander.
Episode cover by Marie-Noëlle Paludetto & Anastasiia Marmyleva.
TSB podcast logo by Tomàs Garnier Artiñano.
Jingle by Havelocke. thisishavelocke.bandcamp.com
Follow The Science Basement:
Homepage: www.thesciencebasement.org
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Instagram: @sciencebasement
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Research excels when needs and wishes of the community are heard. It is through adept leadership practices that institutional heads address diverse needs, ensuring robust infrastructures. Join us and our guests, Juha Huiskonen and Maria Vartiainen, as we explore the nuances of academic leadership and the behind the scenes of establishing efficient scientific infrastructures.
Juha Huiskonen: Prof. of Structural Biology and a Director of the Institute of Biotechnology.
Maria Vartiainen: Group leader, director of the Light microscopy unit, vice-Director at the Institute of Biotechnology, HiLife deputy director for research and infrastructures.
Your hosts for this episode are Eleanna Asvestari & Anastasiia Marmyleva.
Editing by Marie-Noëlle Paludetto.
Episode cover by Anastasiia Marmyleva.
TSB podcast logo by Tomás Garnier Artiñano.
Jingle by Havelocke. thisishavelocke.bandcamp.com
Follow The Science Basement:
Homepage: www.thesciencebasement.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/ScienceBasement Instagram: @sciencebasement Twitter: @ScienceBasement Email: [email protected] -
Peer support, such as mentorship, is inarguably one of the keys to success in academia. Mentoring often comes from senior colleagues. Still, stay sharp since one can also receive that valuable guidance from someone unexpected. Everyone is in need of mentorship independent of their career stages too. In this episode, Prof. Eero Castrén and Dr. Olli Pietiläinen help us delve deep into the importance of having a mentor, secrets to finding one along with what it brings to your personal growth.
Eero Castrén is a research director of the Neuroscience centre at HiLife. Prof. Castrén also runs his own research group which aims to understand neuroplasticity, aka how the brain can change and adapt through growth and reorganisation.
Olli Pietiläinen is a senior group leader at the Neuroscience centre. His research group focuses on uncovering the genetic basis and biological mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, in order to develop new treatments for these disorders.
Your hosts for this episode are Rhiannon Newman & Anastasiia Marmyleva. Editing by Marie-Noëlle Paludetto. Episode cover by Marie-Noëlle Paludetto. TSB podcast logo by Tomás Garnier Artiñano. Jingle by Havelocke. thisishavelocke.bandcamp.com
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Homepage: www.thesciencebasement.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/ScienceBasement Instagram: @sciencebasement Twitter: @ScienceBasement Email: [email protected] -
Being absorbed in their work, how often do researchers think about transitioning their ideas beyond the scope of the main question?
With ubiquitous university campaigns, it’s hard to overlook the business form of such enterprises. In this episode, our guests Johan Lundin and Andrea Ganna share their own experience with turning research into business, where and how to start, how to take risks smartly, and why even embark on such adventure.
Andrea Ganna is an associate professor at HiLife and a research associate at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School. And Johan Lundin is a Research Director at FIMM (Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, which is part of HiLife) and a Professor at Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.
Your hosts for this episode are Anastasiia Marmyleva & Marie-Noëlle Paludetto.
Editing by Steven Simmonds.
Episode cover by Anastasiia Marmyleva.
TSB podcast logo by Tomás Garnier Artiñano.
Jingle by Havelocke. thisishavelocke.bandcamp.com
Follow The Science Basement:
Homepage: www.thesciencebasement.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ScienceBasement
Instagram: @sciencebasement
Twitter: @ScienceBasement
Email: [email protected] - Daha fazla göster
