Talking Techniques

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: 00:00–01:35Zane’s work at Sumak Kawsay In Situ: 01:35–05:05Turning a fascination with nature into a career: 05:05–08:20The importance of sequencing for conservation: 08:20–12:25Technologies being used to sequence in the field: 12:25–14:15Portable nanopore sequencing with the MinION: 13:15–15:35Exporting samples means exporting opportunity: 15:35–18:40The sequencing workflow: 17:40–24:50Data processing: 24:50–27:45Using these technologies to find undescribed species: 27:45–32:20Fighting biodiversity loss in a more local-centric way: 32:20–34:55Using research to protect the area from exploitation: 34:55–38:50What the future holds: 38:50–43:22

In this special episode of Talking techniques, one of two recorded at Neuroscience 2022, we speak to Tim Harris (Howard Hughes Medical Institute, VA, USA). Tim is the creator of Neuropixels, neural recording probes inserted into the brains of animal models, which allow researchers to collect signals from hundreds of individual neurons in different brain regions simultaneously over extended periods of time.Here, he shares the story behind his creation and details how they have changed the data collection landscape in Neuroscience. Tim also considers every inventor’s greatest concern: has his invention led to purely positive outcomes for the field? By enabling the collection of huge datasets have Neuropixels led to studies that bury findings in vast swathes of data or have they enabled researchers to collect enough information to discover the emphatic truth?Listen now to find out Tim’s opinions on these contentious debates in neuroscience and get key tips for utilizing neuropixels! Contents:Introduction: 00:00-03:00Tim's symposium on the capabilities of Neuropixels: 03:00-04.00Key takeaways from the symposium: 04:00-07:45The story of the development of neuropixels: 07:45-13:50Best practice tips for utilizing neuropixels: 13:50-15:15Challenges of utilizing neuropixels: 15:15-15:50Addressing the challenge of big data and sharing uncertainty: 15:50-17:30How neuropixels have accelerated neuroscience data generation: 17:30-19:30 

In this episode of the Talking Techniques podcast, we explore microbiomes and the techniques used to profile them. Get an overview of the different techniques’ working principles, their pros and cons and the different applications that they are best suited to.Providing an expert insight into this field is Annabelle Damerum, Microbiome R&D Scientist at Zymo Research. Annabelle reveals some key tips best practice when profiling the microbiome and details the importance of an emerging aspect of the field: the vaginal microbiome.Contents: Into: 00:00-01:50Why it is important to profile microbiomes. 01:50-04:15Key applications of microbiome profiling: 04:15-06:10Techniques used to profile the microbiome and their working principles: 06:10-09:20Targeted sequencing: 06:10-08:00Shotgun metagenomics: 08:00-09:00Metatranscriptomics: 09:00-9:15The strengths and limitations of these techniques: 09:12-             Targeted sequencing: 09:20-10.15Shotgun metagenomics: 10:15-11:25Metatranscriptomics: 11:25-11:50Matching techniques with applications: 11:50-13:30Tips for best practice for using these techniques: 13:30-16:25What is one thing you would ask for to improve the ability of microbiome profiling techniques: 16:55-18:10Investigating the vaginal microbiome: 18:10-20:55Conclusions and closing: 20:55-22:10