Biochemistry

The episode examines what happens chemically when cooked starch cools and is reheated. Melissa and Jam discuss glucose polymers, insulin, digestion, crystallization, resistant starch, and interactions with gut microbes. They review studies involving foods such as bread, rice, pasta, and potatoes, and explore the proposed effects of repeated reheating. The discussion connects everyday cooking questions to food chemistry and the evidence behind claims about leftovers.

Melissa and Jam examine the chemistry and cell biology proposed to explain red-light therapy. They discuss photobiomodulation, mitochondria, collagen and the limitations of available studies, alongside the distinction between regulatory clearance and evidence for a particular consumer device.

Carolyn Bertozzi explains why sugars on cell surfaces matter for communication between cells and how new chemical methods make these complex molecules accessible to research. The discussion connects this work to neuroscience, biological aging and drug development.

Jonathan Long discusses the expanding scientific study of peptides, from improved methods for discovering molecules in the body to the success of GLP-1 medicines. The conversation distinguishes research progress from untested wellness claims and examines the search for compounds that reproduce aspects of exercise biology.

Fund collaborative research on electron transfer between biological and synthetic components, including enzyme–electrode interfaces and electroactive microbes. The programme encourages rigorous mechanistic work and integration of data science or AI, rather than development of a specific end product. Consortia of two to four groups may request DKK 30–75 million over six years. A qualifying European lead institution and Danish participation are required. First-stage applications close on 7 October 2026.

Funding to translate bioscience research into innovations such as products, services and solutions with real-world economic, societal and environmental impact. Opened 5 August 2026; £3,000,000 total, £100,000–£800,000 per project at 80% full economic cost.

Join Filippo Prischi’s group at the Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics for a 36-month appointment. Investigate protein–RNA interactions and regulation relevant to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, including the interaction network of Annexin A11. The work combines biological NMR, SAXS, recombinant protein preparation and cellular approaches. The role is full time, with a start no earlier than 1 November 2026. Applications close on 16 October; the employer may close recruitment earlier if application volume warrants it.

The Rydén and Mejhert laboratory recruits a postdoctoral researcher to study how metabolism regulates inflammatory gene expression in human white adipocytes. Projects investigate glutamine metabolism, signalling interactions and chromatin regulation using cultured cells, genetic and pharmacological perturbations, immunoblotting, co-immunoprecipitation, CRISPR, microscopy and metabolic measurements. This is a full-time temporary position in Solna. Apply through Karolinska’s recruitment portal by 16 October 2026 with the requested academic and research documents.

The episode examines what happens chemically when cooked starch cools and is reheated. Melissa and Jam discuss glucose polymers, insulin, digestion, crystallization, resistant starch, and interactions with gut microbes. They review studies involving foods such as bread, rice, pasta, and potatoes, and explore the proposed effects of repeated reheating. The discussion connects everyday cooking questions to food chemistry and the evidence behind claims about leftovers.

One of the American Chemical Society's twice-yearly ACS Meetings & Expositions, held March 21-25, 2027 in New Orleans, LA, featuring presentations across the chemistry divisions and an exposition.

This EMBO Workshop examines how protein synthesis, folding, trafficking, and degradation shape health across the lifespan, connecting fundamental proteostasis mechanisms with ageing and degenerative disease.

This EMBO Workshop connects organelle contact sites and cytoskeletal interactions with metabolism, signalling, and trafficking, and examines their relevance to neurodegeneration, cancer, and other diseases.