Nature Podcast
What's the best way to become a professor? The answer depends on where you are
Jan 22, 2025
Yosuke Togashi, a researcher from Okayama University, investigates how mitochondrial transfer impacts T-cells and cancer. The discussion reveals striking disparities in global academic hiring practices, potentially locking out talent based on regional standards. Togashi highlights the emerging understanding of cancer cells transferring dysfunctional mitochondria to immune cells, which hampers immune responses. Additionally, exciting research on hidden tattoos in mummified skin and a new flu treatment adds a captivating twist to the conversation!
32:42
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Quick takeaways
- The criteria for becoming a professor vary significantly across different countries, which can hinder opportunities for talented researchers from low-income regions.
- Research reveals that cancer cells can transfer their dysfunctional mitochondria to immune T-cells, impairing the immune response against tumors.
Deep dives
Assessing Paths to Professorship
The criteria for attaining a professorship differ significantly across the globe, revealing how disparities in opportunities can hinder talented researchers from low-income countries. A study highlights that conventional measures of excellence, like international publications, may not be applicable to scholars from countries with limited resources. For instance, researchers from nations like Honduras may have local accomplishments that do not align with the expectations of institutions in wealthier regions. This situation underscores the necessity for a more nuanced understanding of qualifications to promote diversity in academia.
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