We’re taught that sperm is the "key," but in the world of biology, the "lock" is actually a calcium signal. Dr. Karl Swann explains that it's all about calcium—and the variety of ways nature has evolved to trigger it is absolutely wild.

Full episode 👉 https://ssr.org/ssr-resources/ssr-podcast/

Are we using '70s tech to start families? 🧬

Many fertility clinics use a method of "triggering" eggs that hasn't fundamentally changed in decades. Dr. Karl Swann (Cardiff University) explains how his lab is working on a "modern upgrade."

Full episode 👉 https://ssr.org/ssr-resources/ssr-podcast/

A critical secret in the IVF lab: The Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺ ratio in the culture dish determines the quality of the embryo. Why is human media still a secret? 🔬

Listen here 🎧 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1786803/episodes/18270677

#IVF #Fertility #EmbryoDevelopment

The Soy Exposure Study: Plant estrogens (phytoestrogens) from common sources like baby formula are impacting infant development. Dr. Williams on what she worries about most.

Listen here 🎧 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1786803/episodes/18270677

Fertility Shock: Eggs should die with high calcium, but they don't! 🤯 Dr. Carmen Williams on the weird resilience of mammalian eggs & the mystery of why they oscillate at all.

Listen here 🎧 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1786803/episodes/18270677

#CalciumCode #IVF #ScienceNews

💡 Evolution Reframed: Is Mating Conflict or Cooperation?

Dr. Mariana Wolfner explains how our understanding of mating dynamics has changed, moving toward a view of cooperation between the sexes.

Listen 🎙️ https://www.buzzsprout.com/1786803/episodes/18225457

The transition from a mature egg to a developing embryo is one of the most drastic flips in biology.

Dr. Mariana Wolfner describes the amazing process where a terminally differentiated cell suddenly becomes a totipotent embryo builder.

Listen 🎙️ https://www.buzzsprout.com/1786803/episodes/18225457

"We scientists are paid to study. This is the greatest job ever." 🔬

Dr. Marcella Pecora Milazzotto emphasizes that true scientific success demands curiosity about everything, including physics, philosophy, and history.

Listen here 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1786803/episodes/17915760

2025 SSR Awardee Dr. Marcella Pecora Milazzotto discusses securing funding and establishing herself in a male-dominated field, requiring resilience every single day. 

Listen here 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1786803/episodes/17915760

What makes a good scientific leader? 🤔

Dr. Marcella Pecora Milazzotto says it's not self-imposition. A good leader emerges from the recognition of others, built on a foundation of empathy, integrity, and strong decision-making.

Listen here 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1786803/episodes/17915760

Was becoming a reproductive biologist a choice or a calling?

The moment that defined Dr. Marcella Pecora Milazzotto's career came during her PhD while working with large animals: an unanswered question about early embryonic development.

Listen 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1786803/episodes/17915760

Dr. Zaferani critiques current sperm analysis, arguing we must track the "circling and wandering" pattern—a key biomarker—to revolutionize reproductive medicine. New physics for better fertility selection! Listen to The Future Conceived 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1786803/episodes/18001895

Are biology and physics the perfect partners in science? On The Future Conceived podcast, Dr. Meisam Zaferani says "Biology brings remarkable questions to physics, and physics provides remarkable tools." Listen here 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1786803/episodes/18001895

How far is the journey for sperm? Dr. Meisam Zaferani compares it to the Titanic crossing the Atlantic, but through a "mucous ocean." The physics of this migration are extreme! Listen to his insights on The Future Conceived 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1786803/episodes/18001895.