Science on surfaces - Tips, Tricks and Tools

How important is it to be productive to succeed in academia? And what about being creative? In this episode, we once again have the pleasure talking to Prof. Fredrik Höök, Professor of Nano and Biophysics, at the Department of Physics at Chalmers University of technology. Prof. Hook was our guest in episode 29. Then we had an interesting conversation around several aspects related to research and life in science. At the end of the session, there were still lots of questions that I was curious to ask, and fortunately, Prof. Hook kindly agreed to continue the discussion in an additional episode. This time, we talk about some of the challenges of an academic career path and how to strategically relate to these. We pick up the conversation essentially where we left it - Prof. Hook had just mentioned that he decided to go for a career in science despite all the risks and uncertainties involved. We talk about what those uncertainties are, and how they can be addressed and related to. We also discuss the potential need for a backup plan, the role productivity, inspiration, and if it is important to be creative to succeed with an academic career. Prof. Hook shares his best advice to those of you that dream about pursuing a career in science but who hesitate, or think it seems too risky. He also shares his view on what personal qualities that are needed to be successful in academia. Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog - the Surface Science blog

What is an initial value problem? And why do many of us find mathematical modelling so challenging? In this episode, we again have the honor of talking to Prof. Marina Axelson-Fisk, Professor in Mathematical Statistics at Chalmers University of Technology. This is the third time Prof. Axelson-Fisk is a guest in Science on Surfaces – tips, tricks and tools, and this time she shares some of her vast knowledge on mathematical modelling and how this is used in science. As always, we started with the basics and Prof. Axelson-Fisk explained what mathematical modelling is, when it is typically used, and what is important to consider when doing this type of analysis. Prof. Axelson-Fisk also described a few examples of common models and their characteristics, how to improve a model and how to find the set of parameter values that best fit the data. We also talked about assumptions, limitations, and validation, as well as challenges encountered when modelling, and pitfalls to avoid. She also shared her thoughts are on why so many of us find modelling so challenging and how this limiting barrier can be addressed. This episode really is packed with information. Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog - the Surface Science blog

What is life in research like? How ambitious and performance-oriented do you have to be to do a PhD? And - what is the difference between Food science and Food engineering? I this episode, we talk to Dr. Holly Huellemeier, Graduate Research Assistant at the Department of Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering at the Ohio State University, to learn more about what it is like to spend years in research to earn a doctoral degree. At the time of the recording, Dr. Huellemeier had just graduated and was preparing to take on a postdoc overseas. With the experience fresh in mind, she generously shared some of her insights and perspectives on her years as a PhD student. We talked about why she decided to go for a career in science, what a typical day looked like, what aspects she enjoyed the most and what she found challenging. We also talked about her research project which was on the mechanisms of fouling and cleaning during thermal milk processing, and she also explained what the difference between food science and food engineering is. Finally, Dr. Huellemeier shared some advice to those of you who are considering doing a Ph.D. Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog - the Surface Science blog

Data analysis basics and how to make the most of the collected data How do you maximize the information extraction from that data that you may have spent weeks collecting? And what is the difference between ‘precision’ and ‘accuracy’? In this episode, we talk to Prof. Marina Axelson-Fisk, Professor in Mathematical Statistics at Chalmers University of Technology about Data analysis, to learn more about how to make the most of the data that you have collected. In this informative conversation, Prof. Axelson-Fisk guides us through a range of different data analysis types such as exploratory-, descriptive-, and predictive analysis and explains when to use which method. We also talk about the data analysis process from start to end; how to handle the data before you analyze it, requirements on the data input, and how to assess the analysis output. We then move on to briefly discuss data modelling and key aspect related to this procedure. Prof Axelson-Fisk’s explains key terminology such as repeatability, replicability and reproducibility. And, finally and once and for all, we get the difference between precision and accuracy explained. Last but not least, we talk about the main challenges with data analysis, what pitfalls to look out for, and we get a recommendation on data analysis software to use. By the way, the English translation of ‘supraledare’ is of course ‘superconductor’ Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog - the Surface Science blog

Collecting quality data with QCM-D – what to consider and pitfalls to avoid How do you maximize your chances of a measurement being successful? And which are the main pitfalls to avoid when planning and executing experiments? In this episode, we talk to Jennie Ringberg, Global Technical Product Manager for QSense at Biolin Scientific, to learn more about the practical aspects of data collection and experimental design with the ambition to maximize the data quality. The conversation focuses on the QCM-D measurements, but some of the principles discussed are relevant also for other types of analysis of surfaces and interfaces. In this educational conversation, Jennie takes us through the five main steps of preparing and running QCM-D measurements. One by one, we go through the steps and discuss what’s important to consider for the measurement to be successful with the ambition to optimize the quality of the collected data. We talk about what aspects to pay particular attention to and why these are important for the result. We also cover common challenges, and what will be the consequence if important aspects are ignored. Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog - the Surface Science blog

Why are surface analytical tools useful when scrutinizing virus infections and when trying to figure out ways to tackle them? And what makes research successful? In this episode, we talk to Prof. Fredrik Höök, Professor of Nano and Biophysics, at the Department of Physics at Chalmers University of Technology, about his research and work related to biological nanoparticles, virus infections, and vaccine development. This inspiring and intriguing conversation covered multiple facets of academic life - from the bigger perspectives, drivers, and challenges of a career in science, to the quest for solutions to long-lasting problems and discussion on specific scientific detail. We talked about the ‘what’, ‘why’ and ‘how’ of Prof. Hook’s research and work, and what he and his team are striving to achieve. He also revealed a question that did keep him awake at night for decades, but to which he now finally found the answer. We talked about model systems and instrumentation, and what surface analytical tools they are using in their work. We also discussed more philosophical aspects of life in science, such as what makes research successful, and what pieces of the puzzle must come together for everything to fall into place. Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog - the Surface Science blog

Is it possible to be more time-efficient when planning, executing and evaluating experiments? And what do the latin squares have to do with it? In this episode, we talk to Prof. Marina Axelson-Fisk, Professor in Mathematical Statistics at Chalmers University of Technology about Design of Experiments, DoE, to learn more about how to efficiently plan your work and to make the most of the time spent in the lab. As always, we start with the basics, and Prof. Axelson-Fisk takes us through what DoE is, when it could be used and who will benefit from using this methodology. We then move on to talk about how DoE works in practice. Prof. Axelson-Fisk describes a few examples to demonstrate how this method to plan, execute and evaluate experiments could be used in real life. We talk about what challenges and difficulties that may arise, and what pitfalls to look out for. Finally, we get to learn about some key concepts in DoE, and Prof. Axelson-Fisk explains terminology such as analysis of variance - transformations, model validation and residual analysis; factorial design with fixed, random and mixed effects, latin squares and confounding, just to mention a few. Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog - the Surface Science blog

What is Quartz Crystal microbalance with Dissipation monitoring? And what’s the deal with all the harmonics? In this episode, we talk to Fredrik Pettersson and Erik Nilebäck, both Senior Application Scientists at Biolin Scientific, about the QCM-D technology. Erik has a MSc in Engineering Biology and Devices and Materials in Medicine and a Ph.D. in Bioscience, and Fredrik has a MSc in Biophysical engineering. Both Erik and Fredrik have extensive experience working with the QCM-D technology and in this episode, they share lots of useful information and insights that they have gathered over the years. The conversation starts with the basics, and we talk about what QCM-D technology is, what information it provides, and when it is typically used. We then move on to talk about different versions of QCM:s and their respective strengths and weaknesses. Finally, we go into how a QCM-D measurement is run in practice, and Erik and Fredrik share some useful tips and tricks on how to get the most out of this surface-sensitive technology. Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog - the Surface Science blog

How is the gut-microbiota related to human health? And why do some Lactobacillus strains show health-promoting properties? I this episode, we talk to Dr. Joana Ortega-Anaya, postdoc researcher at the Department of Food Science and technology, at the Ohio State University, to learn more about probiotics and how food can be used to support the symbiotic microbes in the gut microbiome. Dr.Ortega-Anaya specializes in the study of milk components and how they affect probiotics and human health. The conversation starts with Dr. Ortega-Anaya explaining what the microbiome is and what role it plays in the body. She describes the so-called “gut-brain axis” and how different lifestyle factors, such as stress and diet affect the composition of the microbiota – a composition which in turn affects our wellbeing. We then move on to talk about Dr.Ortega-Anaya’s research. Using QCM-D technology and other methods, she has studied four different lactobacillus strains, and how the bacterial adhesion, one of the key aspects of probiotic lactic acid bacteria, was affected by the presence of milk fat. Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog - the Surface Science blog

What analytical instrumentation should you have in your biointerfaces lab? And which equipment should you prioritize investing in if the funding available for new instrument purchase is limited? I this episode, we talk to Dr. Jenny Malmstrom, Senior Lecturer in Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Auckland to learn more about lab instrumentation and analysis methods. With a background in bioengineering and nanoscience, Dr. Malmström has long experience characterizing and understanding the interaction between biomolecules and surfaces. Today, her research is all about interfaces. In this episode, she shares her knowledge and expertise on which analytical methods are used in this field. Using her own research as a starting point, Dr. Malmström exemplifies what characterization that is needed to answer key questions, and describes some of the technologies used by her team. She also shares advice on what equipment to focus on if you are starting up a new lab and have limited funding available for investment, and how to handle a situation where your lab is not equipped with all the instrumentation that you need for your research. Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog - the Surface Science blog

How determined do you have to be to make a career as a scientist? Do all future positions have to be in the same field as the focus of your Ph.D. research? And what’s it like to transition from academia to industry? In this episode of Science on Surfaces, we take a different approach and dive into the mind of the scientist. We talk to Dr. Fredrik Andersson, Scientist and Project Leader at Agriculture and Food for Nouryon Performance formulations, about his career path, which started with a Ph.D. in biochemistry, followed by a postdoc, from where he then moved on to jobs in industry. The conversation covers career plans, personal and professional drivers, and reflections on how determined you must be to pursue a career in science. We talk about Dr. Andersson’s decision to do a Ph.D. and what about science inspires him. He also shares his story of why he decided to leave academia for industry, and how he experienced this transition. And not only did Dr. Andersson take the academia-industry leap, but he also changed research fields and moved from the area of biochemistry to that of surfactants, which is a topic that we of course also had to talk about. Finally, Dr. Andersson shares his thoughts on what’s challenging and what’s fun with his current position, and what career plans he has for the future. Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog - the Surface Science blog

Did you know that light can be manipulated at the nanoscale to control not only colors but also chemical reactions as well as what we see, or do not see? In this interesting and last episode of the season, we talk to Prof. Magnus Jonsson, Associate Professor and Head of the Organic Photonics and Nano-Optics group at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics at Linköping University in Sweden, about light-interaction with matter. Guiding us through the realm of different light-matter interaction phenomena, Prof. Jonsson touches upon optical concepts and terminology such as scattering, reflection, diffraction, refraction, interference, plasmons, Planck radiation, optical cavities, and radiative cooling. We are also introduced to fascinating research. Prof. Jonsson describes how he and his team manipulate light at the nanoscale in various fundamental and applied projects. For example, we get to hear about paper-like displays - a type of display that is based on reflection rather than emission, which would be both energy efficient and work well outdoors on a sunny day. In another project, they use optical properties to cool objects using space as a heat sink; a solution that could be used to reduce the need for air conditioning in warmer regions. And of course, we had to talk about the intriguing concept of an invisibility cloak and reveal the mystery of how this could work. Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog - the Surface Science blog

Is it possible to map a specific taste experience without anyone tasting the actual product? And is it possible to prevent sensitive natural colorants from bleaching when used in acidic beverages? In this episode of Science on surfaces we talk to Dr. Younas Dadmohammadi, from the Abbaspourrad lab at Cornell University, about the discipline of food science. The conversation starts with Dr. Dadmohammadi explaining how this multidisciplinary area originated, and then he takes us through two of his most recent research projects. He guides us through two different challenges related to key aspects of food intake - food appearance and food taste, and how these were addressed in his lab. In the conversation we get to learn more about how the shelf-life stability of sensitive natural colorants can be enhanced, and that those nutritious, but off-flavor, food ingredients that we would like to consume due to their health-promoting properties, are not doomed to ruin the eating experience. Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog - the Surface Science blog

How does a Li-ion battery differ from the ones you use in a torch? What makes it so special that its development even was awarded the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 2019? And what’s the deal with the whiskers? In this episode of Science on surfaces we talk to Prof. Erik Berg about the fascinating area of Li-ion batteries. Prof. Berg is Associate senior lecturer and Assistant Professor at the Department of Chemistry - Ångström Laboratory, and Structural Chemistry at Uppsala University in Sweden. Prof. Berg takes us on an interesting and educational journey through the area of batteries in general, and Li-ion batteries in particular. He teaches us about the five key aspects of battery performance - aspects that are more or less important depending on the intended battery application, but where no single battery type gets top score in all five areas. We also get to learn about the history of battery development - why and how they were invented, how the area has evolved over the years, and how scientists have been scouting the periodic table to find suitable battery materials. Prof. Berg explains why the Li-ion battery is so special, and why dendrite formation, or whiskers as they are also called, are so problematic and certainly should be avoided in a battery. And – he shares the story of when he met one of the laureates who was awarded the Nobel prize for the development of this exceptional type of battery. Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog - the Surface Science blog

What are nanomedicines? And how are they different from traditional ones? In this episode of Science on surfaces we talk to Dr. Gustav Emilsson about the fascinating area of nanomedicines. Dr. Emilsson is working as a Postdoc with nanomedicine development at the department of Advanced drug delivery in Pharmaceutical Science at AstraZeneca, a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company. We start out by talking about what nanomedicines are and how they work. Dr. Emilsson explains how the intricate design of these minuscule drug carriers can help overcome challenges such as drug toxicity and solubility issues, and how nanomedicines can be used to control the drug release in the body. We also talk about a phenomenon that is very relevant in the context of nanomedicines - the formation of the so-called protein corona, which affects how the drug delivery vessel interacts with the body. And finally, Dr. Emilsson shares some thoughts on what the future looks like for this intriguing area. Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog - the Surface Science blog

How come egg and oil will turn into a nice emulsion called mayonnaise when mixed, while water and oil will unavoidably separate into two different phases no matter how vigorously you stir? And is there a way to predict the stability of such phase-mixtures? In this episode of Science on surfaces we talk to Dr. Susanna Lauren at Biolin Scientific about interfacial rheology and how this can be used to predict emulsion and foam stability. Susanna did her Ph.D. on superhydrophobic surfaces and microfluidics and she is an expert on surface-related phenomena, such as surface tension, wettability, adhesion, and interfacial rheology. Susanna explains key terminology such as viscosity, stabilization of interfaces, and surface-active molecules, which then leads us to the discussion of how emulsions and foams form. Susanna then moves on to explain in what situations, and why, it is important to be able to measure emulsion and foam stabilities and how this information can be used. She also describes how these measurements can be performed using either of the two approaches of shear- or dilatational methods. Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog - the Surface Science blog

Is it possible to learn a method that will help you get published in high-impact journals? And is there such a thing as writer’s block? In this first episode of Season 3 of Science on surfaces we talk to Dr Anna Clemens, Scientific writing coach & editor, about the challenges of scientific writing. Dr. Clemens has a Ph.D. in Chemistry and she is also a journalist. In her company “Scientists Who Write”, she helps scientists to improve their writing skills, write more efficiently, and to get published in high-impact journals. In this episode, we really get to the bottom of the writing process and we get to reveal all the secrets of how to methodically, step-by-step, write a successful manuscript. Dr. Clemens starts by talking about the core of a good paper, which is also the key to success - the storytelling framework. She then guides us through the five-step process that will make sure all the bits and pieces are in place and that they all fit nicely together within the storytelling framework. Also, as we discussed the challenges of scientific writing, we of course had to bring up the phenomenon of the writer’s block – this unwelcome nuisance that most of us have experienced at one point or another in our lives, and which simply makes it impossible to get any words down on paper. Of course, Dr. Clemens has reflected on this topic and shares her thoughts on how to address it. Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog - the Surface Science blog Episode links Books discussed in the episode https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25744928-deep-workhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53343.On_Writing_Wellhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13122323-writing-scienceGet in touch with Dr Clemens https://www.annaclemens.com/https://www.annaclemens.com/blog-overviewhttps://www.annaclemens.com/work-with-me@scientistswritehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/annaclemens/

Is it really possible to get more done in less time and at the same time be happier and perhaps even live longer? In this last episode for the season, we talk to David Stiernholm, Struktör, about structure. For almost two decades, David has been helping people and organizations become more efficient by creating better structure and order. The episode is packed with inspiration, tips, tricks, and tools on how to get started structuring your work and, once and for all, get rid of that overwhelming feeling of the to-do:s controlling you instead of the other way around. David talks about the three building blocks of how the structure is created - organize, focus, and automate. Taking us through each category, what they mean and how they can be addressed, David gives us concrete tips and tools on what to do and how to implement structure in your life and work (see links below). We also talk about the benefits of structure, if it can be too much, and how to make the most of the structuring tool to free time and get in control of your schedule. Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog - the Surface Science blog Episode links http://www.noisli.comhttp://timeline.knightlab.comhttps://flow.microsoft.com/sv-se/http://www.zapier.comhttp://textexpander.comhttps://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/peps.12206https://www.stiernholm.com/en/blog/how-two-egg-timers-make-you-focus-on-the-right-thinghttps://www.stiernholm.com/en/blog/https://podcasts.apple.com/se/podcast/done/id559834100?mt=2http://www.superstructured.comhttps://www.youtube.com/user/stiernholmconsulting/https://www.stiernholm.com/en/tips/

What makes a liquid droplet just roll off the surface of a lotus leaf? And what does it take for us to mimic this extraordinary design by nature and to make self-cleaning surfaces? In this episode of Season 2 of Science on surfaces we talk to Dr. Susanna Lauren at Biolin Scientific about superhydrophobic surfaces. Susanna did her Ph.D. on superhydrophobic surfaces and microfluidics and she is an expert on surface-related phenomena, such as surface tension, wettability, adhesion, and surface free energy. We start the conversation with Susanna describing how superhydrophobicity is defined and what properties need to be fulfilled for a surface to qualify as superhydrophobic. She then explains how such surfaces can be manufactured and lists the many areas where these surfaces would be beneficial. We also talk about why, in spite of the very useful qualities of hydrophobicity, there still are so few commercial products available in the market, and what the future holds for man-made mimics of this amazing design by nature. Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog - the Surface Science blog

What makes a liquid spread more on some surfaces than on others? In this episode of Season 2 of Science on surfaces we talk to Dr. Susanna Lauren at Biolin Scientific about Surface Free Energy. Susanna did her Ph.D. on microfluidics and superhydrophobic surfaces and is an expert on surface-related phenomena, such as surface tension, wettability, adhesion, and surface free energy. Susanna describes how the surface free energy of a solid arises and how molecular interactions such as cohesive and adhesive forces are used to determine the value. She then explains how the surface free energy of a solid will determine for example how a liquid will behave when placed on top of it and how much the liquid will spread. We also get to learn more about why the surface free energy is not measured but calculated using Young's equation and how this fairly complicated theory is made simple with existing software. Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog - the Surface Science blog