The Living Revolution

Sebasian Cocioba is an independent researcher, conducting the discovery, research and more from his own home lab. This is part one of our conversation with Sebastian. He details his first experiences in science from seeing a maple leaf and thinking "I need to understand" this, to being recruited for a start-up and learning how to build a lab from ground up.
Stay tuned for further episodes!
Check out his Twitter for what he terms his open lab book: https://twitter.com/ATinyGreenCell

Biocomposite materials can utilise potentially waste carbon sources and capture them for a useful purpose. For example, Dr. Aled Deakin Roberts talked with us about how he can create a biocomposite material from ashes using a bio-inspired adhesive. Further to this, biocomposites also open up opportunities for additional properties, such as the addition of organic molecules that cannot be added to classic materials as they are broken down at high temperatures, biocompatibility and potentially improved properties. Dr Deakin Roberts talked with us about his invention, space concrete, known as 'Starcrete', a biocomposite material with twice the strength of typical concrete and held together by microalgae.

Dr. Clarice D. Aiello is a quantum engineer interested in how quantum mechanics informs biology. She fearlessly leads the Quantum Biology Tech (QuBiT) Lab in UCLA where she explores if spin physics can account for relevant biosensing and be used to develop technologies. Quantum Biology is a nascent field in both physics and biology and much collaboration is needed to bridge the gap between both fields. Although the data of Quantum mechanics in biology is correlative, research has not been able to prove the functional relevance of quantum effects such as an electron’s spin to manipulate physiological outcomes. Possibly in the future we will be able to tailor magnetic fields to drive cell activities, treat injuries, drive stem cell regeneration, or manipulate cell fate decisions in embryonic stem cells.

IndiaBioscience is an organisation serving as the bridge between the ivory towers of academic research, clinicians, and the wider public, It serves to take the science funded by public money and give it back to the community, whether it is through outreach programmes, mentorship schemes or getting people in the same room for fruitful discussions.

Executive director Dr. Karishma Kaushik resembles this very bridge. She has had a career both as a clinical microbiologist and principle investigator, pivoting towards science facilitation at India Bioscience. Together, we discuss her ‘bucket list’ for the future of India’s life science ecosystem, including a networking platform for the global Indian diaspora. With her experience in science mentorship, we delve into what it takes to be a scientist today and the true value of a PhD.
The Living Revolution brings you scientists, industry leaders and entrepreneurs working on engineering biology to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. Listen in if you want to hear about the trials and successes of the bioeconomy.
Today’s hosts were Sandra Martinez Diaz and Sara Knurowska. This episode was edited, transcribed and produced by Sara Knurowska. The transcript can be found using this link. Music attributions: space intro 4.wav by zagi2-- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 and Dreamy.mp3 by teejay537 -- License: Attribution 3.0

Prof. Roisin Owens tells us about her research into creating 3D biomimetic materials which can be used to model human systems such as the intestinal tract and the lungs. With these model systems we can learn many things about disease and treatments for those diseases.