Science Savvy

In this episode, I’m diving deep into how your gut microbiome influences more than just digestion—it impacts your mood, mental health, and even your decisions! I'll break down fascinating science on the gut-brain connection, share surprising research on gut bacteria and depression, and give you practical tips for a healthier gut. Join me as we explore why taking care of what’s inside your belly can transform how you feel, think, and act. Let’s get savvy about gut health together!   Further reading / bibliography: Bercik, P., Collins, S. M. (2014). The Effects of the Microbiota on the Central Nervous System and Behavioral Disorders. Gastroenterology, 146(6), 1449-1458. DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2014.02.037 Cryan, J. F., & Dinan, T. G. (2012). Mind-altering microorganisms: the impact of the gut microbiota on brain and behaviour. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 13(10), 701-712. DOI: 10.1038/nrn3346 Foster, J. A., Rinaman, L., & Cryan, J. F. (2017). Stress & the gut-brain axis: Regulation by the microbiome. Neurobiology of Stress, 7, 124-136. DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2017.03.001 Mayer, E. A., Padua, D., & Tillisch, K. (2014). Altered brain-gut axis in autism: comorbidity or causative mechanisms? BioEssays, 36(10), 933-939. DOI: 10.1002/bies.201400075 Clarke, G., Stilling, R. M., Kennedy, P. J., Stanton, C., Cryan, J. F., & Dinan, T. G. (2014). Minireview: Gut microbiota: The neglected endocrine organ. Molecular Endocrinology, 28(8), 1221-1238. DOI: 10.1210/me.2014-1108 Sampson, T. R., & Mazmanian, S. K. (2015). Control of brain development, function, and behavior by the microbiome. Cell Host & Microbe, 17(5), 565-576. DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2015.04.011 O'Mahony, S. M., Clarke, G., Dinan, T. G., & Cryan, J. F. (2015). Early-life adversity and brain development: Is the microbiome a missing piece of the puzzle? Neuroscience, 342, 37-54. DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.09.068 Ridaura, V. K., et al. (2013). Gut microbiota from twins discordant for obesity modulate metabolism in mice. Science, 341(6150), 1241214. DOI: 10.1126/science.1241214 Dash, S., Clarke, G., Berk, M., & Jacka, F. N. (2015). The gut microbiome and diet in psychiatry: Focus on depression. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 28(1), 1-6. DOI: 10.1097/YCO.0000000000000117 Madra, M., & Ringel, Y. (2015). The role of probiotics in treating irritable bowel syndrome. Gastroenterology Clinics of North America, 44(1), 159-175. DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2014.11.013 Jacka, F. N., et al. (2017). A randomized controlled trial of dietary improvement for adults with major depression (the 'SMILES' trial). BMC Medicine, 15, 23. DOI: 10.1186/s12916-017-0791-y Staudacher, H. M., et al. (2017). Probiotic and prebiotic mechanisms to improve mental health via the gut-brain axis. Current Opinion in Pharmacology, 38, 69-77. DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2018.03.008 Kong, X., et al. (2020). Probiotics supplementation during antibiotic treatment reduces the risk of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. The American Journal of Gastroenterology, 115(6), 921-929. DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000000601 Mills, J. P., et al. (2017). The Impact of Cesarean Delivery on the Diversity of the Infant Gut Microbiome. Microbial Ecology in Health & Disease, 28(1), 13777. DOI: 10.1080/16512235.2017.13777

Join me, Carmen, on Science Savvy as we dive into the mysteries of consciousness and self-awareness! In this episode, I’ll explore what it really means to be conscious, how self-awareness shapes our identity and self-esteem, and why some of these questions have puzzled scientists and philosophers for centuries. From Descartes' "I think, therefore I am" to modern neuroscience and theories like the "Astonishing Hypothesis," we’ll examine how genetics, brain chemistry, and life experiences impact our sense of self. Whether you’re curious about the science behind identity or the deeper philosophical questions about why we experience life as we do, this episode has something for you. Let’s get savvy about the brain together!   Further Reading: Crick, F. (1994). The Astonishing Hypothesis: The Scientific Search for the Soul. Scribner. Chalmers, D. J. (1995). Facing up to the problem of consciousness. Journal of Consciousness Studies, 2(3), 200-219. Tononi, G. (2004). An information integration theory of consciousness. BMC Neuroscience, 5(42). Koch, C., Massimini, M., Boly, M., & Tononi, G. (2016). Neural correlates of consciousness: progress and problems. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 17(5), 307-321. Northoff, G., Heinzel, A., de Greck, M., Bermpohl, F., Dobrowolny, H., & Panksepp, J. (2006). Self-referential processing in our brain—A meta-analysis of imaging studies on the self. NeuroImage, 31(1), 440-457. Lieberman, M. D., & Eisenberger, N. I. (2009). Pains and pleasures of social life. Science, 323(5916), 890-891. Panksepp, J. (1998). Affective Neuroscience: The Foundations of Human and Animal Emotions. Oxford University Press.

This is one of our early interview episodes! We shared a microphone and I hadn't perfected my audio editing—check out our latest episodes for a more polished experience! In this episode of Science Savvy, we're diving into the science of love—beyond just romance. From the neuroscience that drives attraction to the biology behind long-term bonding, we explore the fascinating mechanisms behind one of humanity’s most powerful emotions. Together with my friend Alejandra, we break down the stages of love—lust, attraction, and attachment—and discuss the roles of hormones like oxytocin, vasopressin, and dopamine in shaping how we connect with others. We also touch on the physical effects of love and how heartbreak can feel like real, physical pain. Whether you’re curious about why you get butterflies or how love helps us thrive, this episode offers both a deep dive into the science and a personal touch. If you’re interested in learning more, check out the references below for further reading. Further Reading: Helen Fisher’s work on the neuroscience of love Research on oxytocin and vasopressin related to bonding and attachment Studies on dopamine and cortisol in romantic relationships Evolutionary psychology texts on the biological purpose of love Research on the effects of heartbreak on brain activity and emotional regulation References: Sharma, S. R., Gonda, X., Dome, P., & Tarazi, F. I. (2020). What's love got to do with it: Role of oxytocin in trauma, attachment, and resilience. Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 214, 107602. DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107602 Fisher, H., Aron, A., & Brown, L. L. (2005). Romantic love: An fMRI study of a neural mechanism for mate choice. Journal of Comparative Neurology, 493(1), 58-62. DOI: 10.1002/cne.20772 Stein, D. J., & Vythilingum, B. (2009). Love and attachment: The psychobiology of social bonding. CNS Spectrums, 14(5), 239-242. DOI: 10.1017/s1092852900025384 Acevedo, B. P., Poulin, M. J., Collins, N. L., & Brown, L. L. (2020). After the honeymoon: Neural and genetic correlates of romantic love in newlywed marriages. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 634. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00634

In this episode of Science Savvy, we tackle the age-old question: why do we even get periods? From evolutionary theories to hormonal rollercoasters, we break down the science behind all that bloating, mood swings, and acne. Why can’t we just get a text saying, "You’re not pregnant"? Join me as we explore why periods are a thing and how understanding your cycle can help you level up your workouts, social life, and creativity. It’s time to work with your body, not against it!   Further reading / references: Profet, M. (1993). Menstruation as a defense against pathogens transported by sperm. The Quarterly Review of Biology, 68(3), 335-386. Strassmann, B. I. (1996). The evolution of endometrial cycles and menstruation. The Quarterly Review of Biology, 71(2), 181-220. Pawlowski, B. (1999). Loss of oestrus and concealed ovulation in human evolution: The case against the sexual-selection hypothesis. Current Anthropology, 40(3), 257-275. Emera, D., Romero, R., & Wagner, G. (2012). The evolution of menstruation: A new model for genetic assimilation. BioEssays, 34(1), 26-35. Hillard, P. J. A., & Speroff, L. (2019). Clinical Gynecologic Endocrinology and Infertility. Wolters Kluwer Health. Miller, G., Tybur, J. M., & Jordan, B. D. (2007). Ovulatory cycle effects on tip earnings by lap dancers: Economic evidence for human estrus? Evolution and Human Behavior, 28(6), 375-381. Haselton, M. G., & Gildersleeve, K. (2011). Can men detect ovulation? Current Directions in Psychological Science, 20(2), 87-92. Johnson, S., Marriott, L., & Zinaman, M. (2018). Accuracy of an online fertility tracker. Journal of Women's Health, 27(4), 435-442. Wilcox, A. J., Weinberg, C. R., & Baird, D. D. (1995). Timing of sexual intercourse in relation to ovulation. The New England Journal of Medicine, 333(23), 1517-1521. Yang, Z., & Schank, J. C. (2006). Women do not synchronize their menstrual cycles. Human Nature, 17(4), 433-447. Frank-Herrmann, P., et al. (2007). The effectiveness of a fertility awareness-based method to avoid pregnancy in relation to a couple's sexual behavior during the fertile time. Human Reproduction, 22(5), 1310-1319. Berglund Scherwitzl, E., et al. (2017). Fertility awareness-based mobile application for contraception. The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care, 22(5), 365-373.