Research Forward Podcast

In this episode of the Research Forward podcast, host David Mayo interviews Professor Livia D'Angelo, the driving force behind the MorphoPHEN program. MorphoPHEN is a collaborative master's program involving four leading European universities, aimed at training experts in mouse phenotyping to advance our understanding of human diseases. Professor D'Angelo discusses the interdisciplinary nature of the program, which integrates anatomy, pathology, imaging, and deep learning to provide a comprehensive education in mouse model research.The conversation delves into the origins of MorphoPHEN, highlighting the need for standardized training in mouse phenotyping due to the increasing complexity of genetic modifications in research. Professor D'Angelo shares her journey from veterinary studies to leading this innovative program, emphasizing the importance of proper animal care and the ethical considerations in research.They also explore the practical applications of the program, including the use of virtual microscopy and digital pathology to reduce the number of animals used in research. The episode concludes with insights into the future of MorphoPHEN, including potential expansions and the integration of organoid research. This episode offers a detailed look at how MorphoPHEN is shaping the future of biomedical research and education.

In this episode of the Research Forward podcast, host David Mayo interviews Dr. Viola Galligioni, a veterinarian with extensive experience in laboratory animal science across four European countries. Dr. Galligioni shares her journey from aspiring equine surgeon to managing animal facilities in Italy, the Czech Republic, Ireland, and the Netherlands. They discuss the unique challenges of leading teams in diverse cultural contexts and the importance of adaptability and patience in her role.The conversation delves into the complexities of managing different animal species, including mice, pigs, and zebrafish, and the logistical hurdles of ensuring consistent care and regulatory compliance across various countries. Dr. Galligioni emphasizes the significance of proper training and education for all personnel involved in animal care, highlighting the need for a standardized approach to ensure animal welfare and research integrity.Additionally, they explore the impact of privacy laws on managing sick leave and the importance of clear communication and collaboration with HR departments. Dr. Galligioni offers insights into the future of laboratory animal science, advocating for greater openness and sharing of experiences within the community. This episode provides a comprehensive look at the multifaceted role of a veterinarian in laboratory animal science and the ongoing efforts to enhance animal welfare and research practices.

In this episode of the Research Forward podcast, host David Mayo interviews Mireia Cigarrán, CEO and founder of VRPharma, an innovative company using virtual reality to transform patient experiences, particularly for children and adults undergoing medical procedures. Mireia shares her journey from industrial and chemical engineering to founding VRPharma, driven by her personal experiences as a mother witnessing her child's distress during medical treatments.The conversation explores the remarkable impact of VRPharma's platform, which boasts a 99.4% patient recommendation rate. Mireia discusses the challenges of integrating virtual reality (VR) technology into healthcare, including financial constraints, regulatory barriers, and resistance to change. Despite these hurdles, VRPharma has conducted multiple clinical trials demonstrating significant reductions in pain, anxiety, and stress for both patients and healthcare staff.They delve into the diverse applications of VR in healthcare, from pediatric care to adult oncology and ICU units, highlighting the emotional and economic benefits of VR technology. Mireia emphasizes the importance of tailored content for different age groups and medical needs, ensuring the effectiveness of VR therapies. This episode offers a compelling look at how VRPharma is revolutionizing patient care and advancing the future of healthcare technology.

In this episode of the Research Forward podcast, host David Mayo interviews Professor Adriana Tavares, a leading expert in translational molecular imaging and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Professor Tavares shares her extensive background in nuclear medicine, biomedical engineering, and radiotracer development, highlighting her journey from her academic beginnings to her current role at the University of Edinburgh.The conversation delves into the intricacies of PET imaging, discussing its advantages over other imaging techniques like MRI and CT scans. Professor Tavares explains how PET imaging can detect diseases at very early stages by examining the function of organs and cells, rather than just their structure. They explore the development of new radiotracers, such as LW223, which has significant implications for diagnosing and treating diseases where inflammation plays a key role.Additionally, they discuss the challenges of quantifying PET data and the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance image analysis. The episode also touches on the ethical considerations and advancements in reducing animal use in research through technologies like body-on-chip systems. Professor Tavares emphasizes the importance of mentorship and collaboration in advancing the field of PET imaging, offering valuable insights into the future of this transformative technology.

In this episode of the Research Forward podcast, host David Mayo interviews Adrian Zeltner, a leading expert in mini pig care, handling, anesthesia, and surgery, with extensive experience in the pharmaceutical and biomedical research industries. Adrian shares his unique career journey, from his beginnings in Switzerland to his time in New Zealand and eventual move to Denmark, where he became deeply involved in mini pig research.The conversation delves into the various applications of mini pigs in biomedical research, highlighting their anatomical and physiological similarities to humans, which make them valuable models for studying cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, and dermatological conditions. Adrian explains the benefits of using mini pigs, including their manageable size and the ethical considerations in their care and use.They also discuss the importance of proper handling, dosing, and training techniques to ensure animal welfare and the accuracy of research outcomes. Adrian emphasizes the role of continuous professional development and the need for refined surgical and anesthetic procedures to minimize stress and improve data quality.The episode concludes with Adrian's insights on the future of biomedical research, advocating for the reduction and eventual elimination of animal use through advancements in alternative methods and technologies. This episode provides a comprehensive overview of the critical role mini pigs play in advancing medical science and the ongoing efforts to enhance animal welfare in research.

In this episode of the Research Forward podcast, host David Mayo interviews Dr. Diego Celdran-Bonafonte, an expert in surgical training and biomedical research, currently an associate veterinary specialist and research assistant professor at the University of Arizona. They explore Dr. Celdran-Bonafonte's innovative work in 3D printing surgical simulators, which provide an ethical and effective alternative for training students without relying on live animals or cadavers.Dr. Celdran-Bonafonte shares his career journey, from his early days in exotic animal practice in Spain to his current role in the U.S., highlighting his significant projects, including the development of a preclinical animal model for diabetic foot ulcers using mini pigs. The discussion delves into the benefits of 3D printed models in veterinary education, emphasizing their role in enhancing the 3Rs (Replace, Reduce, Refine) in lab animal science.The conversation also touches on the challenges and future directions of 3D printing in surgical training, with Dr. Celdran-Bonafonte advocating for the broader adoption of these models to improve animal welfare and training efficiency. This episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of technology and veterinary science, showcasing the potential for innovation in ethical research practices.

In this episode of the Research Forward podcast, host David Mayo interviews Professor Ralf Weiskirchen, a leading expert in liver diseases and head of the Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry at RWTH University Hospital Aachen. They delve into the complexities of liver fibrosis, discussing its various causes, including alcohol, viral hepatitis, and genetic diseases. Professor Weiskirchen explains the biochemical processes behind liver fibrosis and the potential for reversing the condition through lifestyle changes and medical interventions.
The conversation also covers the importance of biomarkers for early diagnosis and risk stratification, as well as the promising advancements in gene therapy and CRISPR technology for treating liver diseases. Additionally, they explore the shift towards non-animal models for liver disease research, emphasizing the ethical and practical benefits of using cell lines and organoid models.
A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to the critical issue of cell line authentication in research. Professor Weiskirchen highlights the prevalence of misidentified cell lines and the impact this has on scientific reproducibility. He advocates for stringent authentication practices, such as STR profiling and NGS sequencing, to ensure the integrity of research data.

In this episode of the Research Forward podcast, host David Mayo interviews Alison Hopkins, a qualified registered animal technologist, to discuss the often overlooked but crucial topic of mental health in animal care professionals. Alison shares her journey from working in accounting to becoming an animal technologist, highlighting the emotional demands and challenges of the profession, including compassion fatigue.They delve into the lack of support and awareness surrounding mental health in the industry and the profound impact that caring for research animals can have on individuals. Alison offers insights into her personal experiences, the importance of self-care, and the tools she used, such as the Wheel of Life, to manage her well-being.The conversation also covers the role of institutions in creating supportive work environments, the significance of mental health first aiders, and the need for open communication about emotional challenges. Alison emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing compassion fatigue to ensure the well-being of both animal care professionals and the animals they care for.Listeners will gain valuable advice on managing emotional challenges in the field and the importance of fostering a compassionate and supportive workplace culture.

In this episode of the Research Forward podcast, host David Mayo interviews Dr. Ana Cristina Borges, Head of the Aquatic Platform at the Gulbenkian Institute of Molecular Medicine. Ana is a leading figure in zebrafish research, overseeing crucial initiatives related to zebrafish husbandry and its application in biomedical studies. With a PhD in molecular biology, Ana has become a pioneer in zebrafish facility management and is actively involved with the Zebrafish Husbandry Association.They delve into the fascinating world of zebrafish, discussing their unique characteristics, such as high fertility, transparency during early development, and resilience to environmental changes. Dr. Borges explains how these features make zebrafish an excellent model organism for studying genetics, developmental biology, and disease mechanisms.The conversation also covers Dr. Borges' journey from mammalian developmental biology to aquatic research, highlighting the challenges and rewards of managing a zebrafish facility. They explore the importance of health monitoring in zebrafish facilities and the innovative techniques that can be implemented to ensure the well-being of the fish.Additionally, Ana shares her experiences with outreach activities, emphasizing the significance of public engagement and education in promoting transparency and understanding of scientific research. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of zebrafish research and the exciting potential for advancements in medicine and biotechnology.

In this episode of the Research Forward podcast, we interview Sergio Salazar, a veterinarian, biomedical consultant and the co-founder of Ovum SPF, a startup revolutionizing vaccine production using specified pathogen-free (SPF) eggs. The discussion delves into Sergio's background, his journey from veterinary medicine to biomedical consulting, and his experiences working in various countries.
The conversation highlights the critical role of SPF eggs in vaccine development, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sergio explains how Ovum SPF's new facility in Cascante, Navarra, Spain, is designed with advanced biosecurity measures to ensure the highest quality and cleanliness of the eggs. This facility represents a significant step forward in biomedicine and public health, aiming to meet the growing demand for robust and responsive vaccine production.
Sergio also discusses the challenges and successes in setting up the facility, including significant investments and public funding support from entities like SODENA. The episode touches on the broader economic and social impact of Ovum SPF on the local community and the biotechnology sector, emphasizing the company's commitment to sustainability and local collaboration.
Looking ahead, Sergio shares Ovum SPF's future plans, including potential expansions and contributions to pandemic preparedness. The episode concludes with insights into how Ovum SPF aims to provide a valuable option for vaccine production, alongside recombinant and cell-based technologies, and its potential applications beyond vaccines in biomedicine and animal health.