The Formicary - Conversations in Science is a conversational podcast where Dr. Bálint talks with individuals with STEM backgrounds, whether they are content creators, professors, or active researchers.
Reading the feed…
Cancer is constantly evolving. The challenge for clinicians is keeping up with those changes quickly enough to make better treatment decisions. In this episode, Balint of SciAnts_Streams speaks with Patrick McDeed about liquid biopsies, circulating tumor DNA, and the emerging technologies that allow researchers to monitor cancer through a simple blood sample. McDeed explains how tumors shed DNA into the bloodstream and how computational methods can identify tumor-derived fragments among vast amounts of normal cell-free DNA. The discussion explores biomarker discovery, epigenetics, whole-genome
Coffee sits at the intersection of evolution, neuroscience, metabolism, behavior, and public health. In this episode, Balint of SciAnts_Streams speaks with Thomas Merritt about what coffee research reveals—and what it still cannot explain. Dr. Merritt uses coffee as an entry point into larger scientific questions surrounding experimental biology and human physiology. The discussion examines evidence linking moderate morning coffee consumption with improved health outcomes, while highlighting the challenges of interpreting observational studies and distinguishing correlation from causation. The
Conservation has entered a new era. The question is no longer whether climate change will affect wildlife, but how species and ecosystems can survive the changes already underway. In this episode, SciAnts_Streams sits down with Kita Ashman to examine how climate adaptation is reshaping modern conservation science. Ashman discusses the growing pressures facing threatened species, including extreme weather, habitat loss, altered fire regimes, and ecological disruption driven by a warming climate. The conversation explores how scientists identify climate-vulnerable species, build resilience into
What does effective wildlife conservation look like in a world where climate change, habitat loss, and human development increasingly shape the future of biodiversity? In this episode, SciAnts_Streams speaks with Bas Huijbregts about the evolving challenges of conserving Africa's wildlife. Drawing from his work across the continent, Huijbregts discusses the conservation of elephants, rhinos, great apes, and other species while highlighting the importance of habitat connectivity, ecosystem resilience, and community-centered conservation strategies. The conversation explores how modern conservat
In this special GOTEL (Game On to End Lupus) charity campaign episode, SciAnts_Streams welcomes Dr. Joy Buie for a deep dive into the biology and treatment of lupus. Dr. Buie explains how autoimmune disease develops, why lupus is uniquely difficult to diagnose, and how modern immunology research is reshaping treatment strategies. The conversation explores the role of B cells, T cells, inflammation, genetics, hormones, environmental triggers, and epigenetics in lupus progression, while also unpacking promising therapies including biologics, interferon-targeting drugs, monoclonal antibodies, and
In this episode of the SciAnts Streams Women in STEAM 2026 series, we feature Dr. Tyy, also known as Tyy_Rex—a physician-turned-content creator whose journey highlights both the rigor of medical training and the importance of self-determination. Dr. Tyy reflects on an early passion for science, sparked by interests in natural history, anatomy, and discovery, which ultimately led her through the demanding pipeline of pre-med education, medical school, and surgical training. However, despite years of investment, she recognized during residency that the path she had committed to was no longer ali
In this episode of the SciAnts Streams Women in STEAM 2026 series, we feature Liz, also known as IPaintBirbs—an artist, educator, and Twitch streamer whose work sits at the intersection of illustration, ornithology, and science communication. Liz discusses her artistic journey, from formal art training to rediscovering creative passion through new mediums like gouache and mixed media. She reflects on how early educational experiences—including discouraging mentorship—shaped her path, and how she has since reclaimed those creative spaces on her own terms. A central theme of the conversation is
In this episode of the SciAnts Streams Women in STEAM 2026 series, we feature RareGangster—a content creator whose foundation in applied mathematics and biomedical engineering continues to shape her work, even outside traditional STEM roles. RareGangster reflects on a nonlinear career path that began with a passion for gaming and evolved into a STEM education she didn’t initially plan to pursue. Although she now works full-time as a Twitch streamer, she discusses how her technical background remains central to her approach—particularly in analyzing growth metrics, optimizing content strategies
In this episode of the SciAnts Streams Women in STEAM 2026 series, we feature Dr. Leandra—an animal scientist whose work sits at the intersection of animal behavior, nutrition, microbiology, and agricultural systems, as well as a Twitch Partner dedicated to science communication. Leandra walks us through her journey from a childhood passion for animals and an initial goal of veterinary school to an unexpected entry into graduate research. That pivot led her to study how early weaning impacts pig development and how targeted nutritional interventions—such as supplementing diets with epidermal g
This episode of Together for Legendary Women in STEAM 2026 features Mallory, an archaeologist and science communicator. Mallory shares her path into archaeology, clarifies common misconceptions about the field, and discusses the realities of scientific work—from field research to career pressures. The conversation also explores her presence on Twitch, where she bridges the gap between academic science and public engagement. With a focus on accessibility, community, and representation, this episode provides an honest look at what it means to be a woman in STEAM today—both in the lab and online.
KaseySnowArt, a scientific illustrator and educator, joins SciAnts_Streams to explore the deep connections between art and science. With a background in fine arts and a focus on animal anatomy, she uses her work to communicate complex biological ideas and highlight issues in conservation. In this conversation, she discusses how curiosity and observation drive both artists and scientists, and how her work brings anatomical accuracy and storytelling together to engage audiences on Twitch and in the classroom. She also shares her goals of expanding into children’s educational content and using ar
Volcanodoc—a volcanologist, professor, and Twitch science communicator—joins SciAnts_Streams to discuss both the inner workings of volcanoes and the realities of building a career in science. VolcanoDoc explains how her research uses mineral and lava chemistry to map where magma is stored beneath volcanoes and how eruptions are triggered, offering insight into how scientists assess volcanic hazards. The discussion also explores what fieldwork actually entails, from collecting samples on obsidian flows to analyzing them with advanced geochemical tools. Equally central is her personal story: lea
How do you become an Egyptologist? What's it like digging through red clay? What are field excavations really like? Join us for the first segment of our 2026 Women in STEAM series where we talk with Egyptologist, archaeologist, educator, and Twitch streamer MelissainDeNile.
In this interview, we discuss HIV/AIDS research with Dr.Rachel Bender Ignacio, a physician-scientist and leading infectious-disease researcher at Fred Hutch Cancer Center, where she serves as Assistant Professor in the Vaccine & Infectious Disease Division. She’s also the Principal Investigator and Director of UW Positive Research — a major clinical-trials site affiliated with the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) — and is a driving force behind cutting-edge HIV/AIDS research worldwide. With a training background in global health, epidemiology, and internal medicine (MD and MPH from University
Today we talked with Maryls Houck and Marco Wendt of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s Frozen Zoo. Maryls is the Curator of the Frozen Zoo, while Marco is the spokesperson for the alliance. The Frozen Zoo is the largest collection of living cell lines in the world. The specimens are currently all vertebrates: birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. To date there have been 11,600 individuals, 1,300 species and subspecies collected over the Zoo’s 50 year history. The zoo has been pivotal in cloning Przewalski’s horse, bringing diversity back to the the black-footed ferret population
Today we spoke with Charlie Ho (Chi-Lee Ho) a post-doctorate researcher concentrating on lung cancer at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle Washington. Charles Ph.D work took place at the University of Pennsylvania where he worked on early detection of gastric cancer. During our conversation we talked about his educational, journey, his doctoral work, his work at Fred Hutch Cancer Center, and his experiences in academia.
Dr. Maureen Lamb is the co-director of the Bloomington Drosophila Stock Center at Indiana University Bloomington. The center holds the largest repository of fruit fly stock in the world. The center shipped out to over 950 institutions last year orders a year consisting 156,000 vials, or 3,200 vials per week. The center holds the fly line for white one discovered by Thomas Hunt Morgan at the turn of the 20th century, and houses 93,335 different stocks at the facility. Dr. Lamb received her doctorate from the University of Iowa where she specialized in “Cell Cycle Control, Cell Fate Decisions, C
Today we spoke with Dr. Jordan Kennedy an interdisciplinary quantitative researcher and engineer, who combines materials science, mechanical engineering, biology, and ecology to unlock the secrets of complex systems. And yes, that means fluid mechanics, beaver-built dams, crash courses in ecological dynamics—plus more. Jordan earned both their Ph.D. and M.S. in Materials Science & Mechanical Engineering from Harvard University. They served as Science Director at INDIGENOUS LED, spearheading partnerships across federal, tribal, academic, and private research sectors. They developed science fram
Today we talked to Dr. Josh Benoit, a professor in the department of biological sciences at the University of Cincinnati, where he heads the Benoit Lab of Insect Biology. His research includes how insects survive dehydration, cold, pesticide exposure, and other stressors—sometimes doing fieldwork in extreme environments, including Antarctica. We covered his research in Antartica, talked about the vast array of insects that he has worked on including, midges, cockroaches, ticks and more.
Today we talked with Dr. Nathan Voltimer an associate professor at Oregon State University where he is the principal investigator at the Linus Pauling Institute, a part of the Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics. Dr. Voltimer received his Ph.D in Genetics and Molecular Biology from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. His labs research revolves around parasitoid venom proteins and identify signaling regulators among. His labs research focuses on cell signaling in immunity & disease with attention to “Regulation of host signaling by parasitoid venom proteins”, “Immune metabolism and parasi
Today we talk to Dr. Odel Rechavi the principal investigator of the The Oded Rechavi Lab at Tel-Aviv University. Dr. Rechavi is an ERC Fellow, a recipient of the Schmidt Science Polymath award, the Kadar award, the Blavatnik award and more. He is best known for his work which provides evidence that a trait can be inherited through a transgenerational inheritance mechanism using RNA and not DNA using nematodes as a model organism. We not only covered his work in transgenerational inheritance, but also his research into using toxoplasmosis as a protein delivery system able to pass through the bl
Today we have Dr. Greg Pask, a professor at Middlebury College who holds his Ph.D in Biological Sciences from Vanderbilt University. As the head of the Pask Lab, Greg studies a number of different insect species including, but not limited to, ants, butterflies, and fireflies. Greg participates in a great deal of science communication doing work with Cosplay For Science, and presentations at Comic Cons around the country discussing insects in popular culture.
Today we talked with Alysia Vrailas-Mortimer who holds her Ph.D. in Genetics and Molecular Biology from Emory University. Alysia is the principal investigator at the Linus Pauling Institute which is part of Oregon State University. Alysia talks about her research into aging, the importance of cross discipline collaboration, and science communication.
Today we have Dr. Adrian Smith, a research Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, at North Carolina State University, Head, Evolutionary Biology & Behavior Research Lab at the North Carolina Museum of Natural History, and the individual behind the popular AntLab YouTube channel. We talk about his journey into entomology from washing dishes in a fire ant research lab, the path to his doctorate, his research into ant behavior, love for trap-jaw ants, and the inspiration for creating his popular YouTube channel.
On today’s episode we’re joined by Dr. Thomas Merritt, the head of the Merritt Lab at Laurentian University Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry to talk about handedness and why most people are right hand dominant. This episode includes talk about snail mating, masturbation, felatio and other adult topics. You have been warned.
