The Brain’s Hidden Guardians: Microglia in Health and Disease | Dr. Verena Haage
Did you know your brain has its own immune system? At its core are microglia - specialized cells that defend, maintain, and shape the brain throughout life. In Episode 27 of Neuroscience and Beyond, Dr. Verena Haage, guest scientist at Charité Berlin and co-founder of SciLead, joins us to learn how these once-overlooked cells are now revolutionizing our understanding of brain development, aging, and disease.This episode unpacks how advanced tools like single-cell RNA sequencing, #transcriptomics , and #proteomics are revolutionizing microglia #research.We discuss the critical role of microglia in #neurodegeneration, the challenges and breakthroughs in studying the human brain, and the growing relevance of the exposome in brain health.You will also learn about the inspiring work behind SciLead, an initiative Dr. Haage co-founded to foster better leadership and research culture in science.Subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us for exciting neuroscience content.🔗To find us on BlueSky, X and Instagram:https://linktr.ee/neurosciencebeyondTimestamps00:00:00 In This Episode 00:00:25 Introduction 00:01:40 Dr. Haage’s Research on Microglia 00:05:10 How Were Microglia Discovered? 00:06:35 Studying Microglia in Mice 00:07:50 Sex Differences in Microglia 00:09:45 What Are Transcriptomics and Proteomics? 00:10:35 How Is Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Used? 00:17:40 What Are Microglial States? 00:20:10 Mouse vs. Human Microglia 00:21:50 How Are Human Microglia Studied? 00:31:30 Do iPSC-Derived Cells Reflect Adult Microglia? 00:33:30 Transcriptomics Costs and Lab Procedures 00:37:30 Data Challenges in Transcriptomics Research 00:40:50 Microglia’s Role in Neurodegeneration 00:47:00 Can We Image Microglia in Humans? 00:50:20 How the Exposome Affects Brain Health 00:51:50 What’s Happening to US Research Funding? 00:59:00 What Is SciLead? Supported by the International Max Planck Research School for Neurosciences in #Göttingen, the European Neuroscience Institute, Cluster of Excellence Multiscale Bioimaging, as well as SFB1286Neuroscience and Beyond team:Svilen GeorgievKristina JevdokimenkoAhsen Konaç SayıcıMels AkhmetaliLaura van Agen
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Balancing Research, Clinical Work, and Personal Life | Challenges in Academia with Prof. Woud #5
In the latest episode of Neuroscience and Beyond, Prof. Marcella Woud (Head of the Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology at the University of Göttingen) highlighted the real struggles in academia, from balancing clinical training with PhD research to the insecurity of short-term contracts and the lack of stable research roles.What’s your biggest challenge in academia? Share your thoughts in the comments! 💬Subscribe to our channel @NeuroscienceBeyond for exclusive content and honest conversations about academic life.🔗 Link to the video: https://youtu.be/6Arred_zB3E🔗 Link to the full episode: https://youtu.be/g323URE0zt0 #academic #challenges #academia #science #ResearchFunding #AcademicCareers #PhDLife Supported by the International Max Planck Research School for Neurosciences in #Göttingen, the European Neuroscience Institute, Cluster of Excellence Multiscale Bioimaging, as well as SFB1286Neuroscience and Beyond team:Svilen GeorgievKristina JevdokimenkoAhsen Konaç SayıcıMels Akhmetali
Why do some people recover from trauma, while others spiral into anxiety or depression? In Episode 26 of Neuroscience Beyond, we explore the psychological mechanics behind trauma and healing. Join us for an intriguing conversation with Prof. Marcella Woud, Head of the Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology at the University of Göttingen (@uniGoettingen). We discussed the fascinating link between how we interpret the world and how mental health conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression take shape.In this episode, you’ll discover topics such as:- How trauma and negative thinking loops lead to PTSD- Why traumatic memories feel so vivid and intrusive- Why some people develop PTSD after trauma, and others don’t- What information processing biases are, and how they relate to anxiety and depression- Effective PTSD therapies such as exposure-based treatment and EMDR👉 Plus, many more insights on memory fragmentation, cognitive models, mental health awareness, and how external factors shape cognition.Timestamps00:00:00 In This Episode00:00:25 Introduction00:01:45 Prof. Woud’s Research Focus, Background Information00:03:35 What Are Information Processing Biases?00:05:35 Can Brain Imaging/Activity Explain Long-Term Trauma?00:07:05 Bridging Cognition and Biology00:09:23 Defining Mental Health00:13:15 Why Do Some People Develop PTSD While Others Don’t?00:15:15 Overthinking and PTSD relationship00:17:35 What Is PTSD?00:20:40 Are There Severity Levels in PTSD?00:23:15 Brain Imaging in PTSD Diagnosis00:24:15 Traumatic Memories vs Normal Memories00:28:15 How is PTSD Studied Scientifically?00:31:15 Why Does Public Speaking Cause Anxiety?00:35:45 What Triggers PTS? 00:37:05 PTSD, Sleep Problems, Stress and Childhood Trauma00:39:15 What Are the Treatments for PTSD?00:42:55 Challenges in Studying Mental Health in the Lab00:45:00 Do Cultural Differences Affect Mental Health Research?00:47:05 Why Are Depression Rates Increasing?00:49:15 Clinical Psychology00:52:05 Understanding Mental Health00:54:25 Early Prevention and Access Matter In Mental Health00:56:15 What Is Consciousness? 01:00:05 Interpretation Biases in Alcohol Use01:05:29 Psychodelics In Research and Clinical Use 01:08:22 Final Thoughts & ClosingSubscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us for exciting neuroscience content.🔗 Link to our social media accounts: https://linktr.ee/neurosciencebeyond#MentalHealthAwareness #PTSD #Trauma #Psychology #CognitiveScience #Stress #InformationProcessingSupported by the International Max Planck Research School for Neurosciences in #Göttingen, the European Neuroscience Institute, Cluster of Excellence Multiscale Bioimaging, as well as SFB1286Neuroscience and Beyond team:Svilen GeorgievKristina JevdokimenkoAhsen Konaç SayıcıMels Akhmetali
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Academic Pressure, Too Many PhDs, Too Few Jobs? | Challenges in Academia with Prof. Kwok #5
In our latest episode on the challenges in academia, we welcome Prof. Kwok as she dissects some of the most critical issues facing researchers today, including:Academic pressure and the instability of research careers.The “publish or perish” model and profit-driven journals.The oversupply of PhDs versus the limited academic positions.The reproducibility crisis in scientific research.Why leaving academia can be a valid—and valuable—career path. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive content and in-depth discussions on cutting-edge science. Supported by the International Max Planck Research School for Neurosciences in #Göttingen, the European Neuroscience Institute, Cluster of Excellence Multiscale Bioimaging, as well as SFB1286#academic #challenges #academia #science #ResearchFunding #AcademicCareersNeuroscience and Beyond team:Svilen GeorgievKristina JevdokimenkoAhsen Konaç SayıcıBeatriz ApgauaMels Akhmetali
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The Brain’s Dark Matter: Exploring the Extracellular Matrix | Prof. Jessica Kwok
In our 25th episode, we're highlighting a fascinating and often overlooked area of neuroscience: the extracellular matrix of the brain. We are delighted to host Dr. Jessica Kwok, Associate Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Leeds, whose research is reshaping our understanding of memory, brain plasticity, and post-injury recovery. In this episode, you will learn: -What perineuronal nets (PNNs) are and their influence on brain function. -The surprising role of the ECM in spinal cord injury recovery. -How the ECM shapes brain development and aging. -The reasons why some neurons possess PNNs while others do not. -The therapeutic potential of targeting PNNs, and many more interesting topics! Subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us for exciting neuroscience content.🎙️Link to our social media accounts:https:/linktr.eeneurosciencebeyond #Neuroscience #ExtracellularMatrix #SpinalCordInjury #ECM #PNN This podcast is supported by the International Max Planck Research School for Neurosciences in #Göttingen, the European Neuroscience Institute, the Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging" in Göttingen, as well as, SFB1286. Neuroscience and Beyond team: Svilen Georgiev Kristina Jevdokimenko Ahsen Konaç Sayıcı Beatriz Apgaua Mels Akhmetali
We are a team of PhD students located in Göttingen, Germany, who share a passion about neuroscience and science communication. On a monthly basis we talk with experts in neuroscience and discuss their research, career path, struggles along the way and current problems in the field. Supported by the International Max Planck Research School for Neurosciences, the European Neuroscience Institute in Göttingen, the Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging" in Göttingen and SFB1286 Quantitative Synaptology in Göttingen. The content of the podcast represents our personal opinions and is separate from the institutions we are working at or collaborate with.
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