The iGEM team and I are back with another episode! This time, I invited 4 members each from the wet lab, dry lab, and human practice team to talk about their roles and how their products work! First, Leon and Plus give an in-depth explanation of their antibiotic alternative – AMP (2:37). Then, Gina discusses her work on coding/designing the team’s Wiki page (6:27). Lastly, Janet gives a rundown of CCU’s marketing, educational goals, and international collaborations, including their picture book and soup opera! (8:06) The iGEM competition is an annual, worldwide synthetic biology event organiz ..read more

The iGEM competition is an annual, worldwide synthetic biology event organized by MIT. In this two-part series, I've invited college contestants from National Chung Cheng University to discuss everything from the brainstorming process, their superbug antidote, and their extensive education campaign – which includes their very own picture book! In this episode, human practice chief coordinator Janet Chen revisits her decision to join the team (2:05), the team's slight detour towards reducing the mosquito population (6:42), and the importance of open-mindedness (10:50). Powered by Firstory Hos ..read more

When people think of biology or science in general, the first thing that comes to mind is lab work: researching microorganisms, chemistry, lab procedures... and all the jazz. What they may not know is the significance of field work in science. In this episode, we take a look at John Snow's tracing of the cholera outbreak and China's vaccine controversy in Bahrain to see just how important field work really is. Then, armed with my experience in both the field and the lab, I break down the strengths and weaknesses of each. Strap on, my friends! Music used: Eimshore - Pillars of Eternity <a ..read more

Thanks to my recent speech competition, I had the opportunity to chat with the legendary DJ Joseph Lin about how I started learning English, my Xiaoliuqiu trips, my podcast (META). Enjoy! Powered by Firstory Hosting ..read more

Established in 2017, 社團法人台灣咾咕嶼協會 made its goal very clear: to protect the ocean of Taiwan, In Xiaoliuqiu, they’ve managed to bring plastic reduction efforts to the masses by promoting their renowned 琉行杯 lending system. In this episode, I was lucky enough to have a chat with one of the founders, Ms. Zhang. We discussed her motivation to save the ocean (1:49), where their creativity originates (8:42), and the NGO’s future aspirations (27:13). 咾咕嶼協會: https://www.facebook.com/twlookoo/?ref=page_internal  海湧工作室: https://hiinstudio.com/ TurtleSpot Taiwan: https://www.facebook.com/groups/turtle ..read more

As I wrap up my visit to Xiaoliuqiu island, I recount my experience in the intertidal area, scuba diving 10 meters below the ocean floor, and finally, ponder the effects of anthropomorphism in animal-human relationships. Be sure to sit down for this wild ride. This is the second episode of a 3-part series. 海龜點點名 TurtleSpot Taiwan Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/turtlespotintw R36192 Natgeo: https://www.natgeomedia.com/environment/article/content-11582.html Music used: Dream Machine Ilya Marfin Under Influence Dream Machine Anchors and Seagulls Stanislav Vdovin Nocturnal One ..read more

I started off 2021 by visiting Xiaoliuqiu Island in Southern Taiwan, where sea turtles are notably abundant. But I hope to go a little deeper than that. Why are there so many sea turtles? Are they in any danger? And what is it like swimming with them? With help from the locals and some research, I strive to find a comprehensive understanding of this unique island. This is the first episode of a 3-part series. Music used: Max Sergeev Dream Machine Trees Die Standing Powered by Firstory Hosting ..read more

What are the different ways cells can communicate with one another? How do hormones know which cells to target? And why are GPCRs so ubiquitous in humans? This episode dives deep into the components of signal transduction, transmembrane and intracellular receptors, second messengers, and regulation of signaling. Cell signaling is probably the most important topic in biology, so make sure you know this section fluently by listening to this episode! The Campbell Biology Textbook (11th Edition) is referenced and advised for listeners. Powered by Firstory Hosting ..read more

What's the difference between mitosis and meiosis? How does meiosis create genetic diversity? In my first ever episode, I review everything you need to know about chromosomes, synapsis, and imperative meiosis phases. Phase in this complex topic with this simple summary! The Campbell Biology Textbook (11th Edition) is referenced and advised for listeners. Powered by Firstory Hosting ..read more