By Pooja Kadaba Ranganath
Edited by Simon Bakke

Flies, humans, and tomatoes have approximately the same number of genes in their genomes — but humans are clearly a complex species when compared to flies or tomatoes. One aspect of the human genome that I study, called Long non-coding ribonucleic acid molecules (referred to as LncRNA), can potentially explain the complexity of human life!

​Our cells have deoxyribonucleic acid (referred to as DNA) and the DNA has a code, which makes RNA. Unlike regular RNA, non-coding RNAs don’t form proteins in our body. What’s sad and a bit unfortunate is that scientists have been ignoring these RNA molecules for decades, focusing solely on protein-coding genes, which accounts for 2-3% of our DNA. So why has 98% of our genome been ignored by researchers?

Scientists seem to have a problem with these non-coding RNAs, as they are very different between species, unlike proteins that tend to be similar even across very different species. This fact raises some questions: Why study these when they aren’t conserved? How do we study non-coding RNA’s function in humans, or how do we relate any of the research done on long non-coding RNAs in model organisms like flies, mice, or zebrafish with humans? Identifying mutations in long non-coding RNAs isn’t easy, and again, the question of “conserveness” comes up; how can we connect the mutation identified in, for example, a fly’s LncRNAs, with that of humans? 

My understanding is that sequences of these RNAs are usually not the same between species and yes, that makes it devilishly more complex to study. But maybe that’s the clue to digging deeper into these hidden RNA species. We forget that our bodies are made from trillions of cells and every cell contains the same DNA with exactly the same sequence.

 So, why do immune cells respond differently to signals than a nerve cell when they have the same DNA sequence? We need to look beyond just the DNA sequence to understand the complex mechanisms in an organism. Recent studies have confirmed that LncRNAs add an extra layer of confusion to the existing knowledge, and they are linked to various cancers, cardiovascular diseases and much more. In recent years, a few studies have identified LncRNAs as potential biomarkers for these diseases, and in most cases, they are involved in gene expression — or, regulating which genes “show up”. 

Isn’t it the other way around? The riskier the project is, the harder it is for scientists to publish results that demonstrate something important, which could further take away incentives to study potentially very important aspects of the human genome. 

This raises a lot of concerns in the science field and the need for such “risky” research to thrive and exist. Hopefully, more research groups will start working on it and the collaborative efforts between researchers and doctors will get LncRNAs into business, which will eventually help treat patients with diseases we can’t address with our current knowledge of our genome.

Pooja Kadaba Ranganath is Ph.D. student in biological sciences at Illinois State University. Her research focuses on the role of long non-coding RNAs in Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) immunity. She's interested in understanding the role of the innate immune system in tumor metastasis. Outside of research, she's involved in different outreach opportunities and SciComm has become a part of her graduate journey. During her free time, she does science writing for the general public, spending time outside camping and has a serious case of wanderlust.

By Amy Aines, CEO of Damianakes Communications 

When it comes to getting your ideas heard, the words you choose and your timing can make all the difference.  So can using influence to bring people into your ideas. In part two of this blog (read part one), you’ll get practical tips on how to frame your ideas and build support for getting them adopted. 

My motto is Words Matter.  When it comes to expressing your ideas there are some words that you should never say.  They shut people down.  Don’t offer up an idea and add “that’s the way we always have done it”.  

Another taboo is bringing up the name of the last company you worked for every time you offer up an idea.  I know a man who spent decades as one of the top scientists at Dupont.  When he joined the leadership team at a company I work with, he often got the eye roll because he prefaced his ideas with “When I was at Dupont.” It’s ok to reference your past experience. People value wisdom gained elsewhere.  I do it by saying something like: “I remember considering a similar decision a few years ago.”  Then I focus on the rationale and what I learned from the prior situation to set the stage for my recommendations. 

Saying too many words doesn’t land well either.  Have you ever heard someone make a suggestion that went on and on with a paragraph of preamble and so much description that the idea got lost in all the words?  When you want to make a point, make your point. Then stop.  Be as concise as possible.   In our book Championing Science – Communicating Your Ideas to Decision Makers, we call this the practice of extracting the essence.  It’s about finding the fewest possible words to make your point clearly. First you have to lay a foundation for understanding your idea. Later you can get into all the details.  This can be especially hard for scientists who live in a world full of detail.

All of your past history with people colors the way they interpret what you say.  When someone doesn’t seem to be listening, that may be because your words have landed in emotionally charged territory that shuts down their ability to hear.  Think about performance reviews.  And yes, this does happen at home a lot.  Especially if you have teenagers!  Hard conversations need neutral language.  Use clear, simple, common language that doesn’t leave room for misinterpretation.  When it comes to hard conversations, timing is everything.  ​

Find a time when your listeners can be receptive.  Finding the optimal time to express your ideas can improve your chances of success. Even for the simplest of ideas. I remember getting so frustrated with my daughter Alyssa – whose is now my wonderful 29-year old – when she was 14.  The conversation would go something like this: “Good morning sweetie, why don’t you plan to be home by 3:00 today because you have an orthodontist appointment.  She’d mumble ok.  Twenty minutes later, she’d appear in the kitchen dressed and ready for school and have no memory of our conversation.

It took a while, but I finally learned that just because I’m wide awake and my brain is in gear first thing in the morning doesn’t mean the people that I love are ready for important reminders or conversations the minute they open their eyes. Still I bet if I had said I had a free afternoon and suggested taking her shopping for new jeans, she would have heard me! 

Pick a time when your listeners can focus on what you want to discuss.  It helps to ask specifically – do you have ten minutes to talk about an idea I’d like to share? Let them tell you when they want to have the conversations. Then be sure you get your listener’s engaged attention.   Making eye contact will help you know that they are listening attentively.

Timing matters!  Jumping in too soon can backfire, too.  A few weeks ago, a client of mine was venting her frustration. She had made a recommendation that no one supported. Has that ever happened to you?

She works for a company with a promising new drug.  She was at the table with four colleagues planning the agenda for an employee meeting. They were considering when to have the celebration of World Sickle Cell day. She eagerly recommended that they kick off the meeting with the celebration to get everyone inspired and motivated before diving in to the business updates. Good idea, right?  No one agreed.  The conversation continued and about ten minutes later, the woman who runs their patient advocacy programs, voiced the very same recommendation. This time, everyone agreed. 

Why was she heard when my client wasn’t?  Timing! And group dynamics. Everyone needs to settle into the topic of a meeting.  That often takes a few minutes, especially if attendees have just come from a meeting on a totally different subject.   My client raised her hand with the answer too soon. 

You can imagine that she felt defeated and ignored.  She may have been tempted to make a snarky comment like “I said that ten minutes ago”, but of course she knew better.  If this happens to you, it’s so easy to just shut down.  Instead, take a deep breath and learn from it.  Reflect on your physical presence, voice and words and of course, your timing. And don’t let the situation keep you from voicing your ideas the next time.

What about timing when it comes to big ideas, the kind that you put into a proposal to a program sponsor or that become a major initiative. Big ideas need more time to get traction.  In our book, Championing Science we outline 11 tenets.  These are principles that we believe help you effectively communicate your ideas to decision makers.  Principle #9 is Influence Patiently. 

Influence is a process, not a one-time event. 

Over the past seven years, I’ve watched my husband and co-author Roger influence patiently. He’s become very good at enlisting and uniting people inside and outside Lawrence Livermore Lab– thinking together how to solve the climate technology problem and fill the research gaps. He does that by establishing a shared sense of purpose. He builds coalitions and relationships by listening and understanding the capabilities that others can contribute.  He invites people into the idea.  Many scientists are good at advocating for ideas – explaining them with strong rationale, asserting them with confidence that their ideas are right.  That style of influence is useful, too.  But painting a vision that inspires others, can help you establish the environment where your ideas will be well received when you voice them.  

So, the next time you have the opportunity to voice an idea, remember to think about your physical presence. Find your commanding voice, choose your words with your listeners in mind, consider your timing and influence patiently.  And never forget that your ideas matter!

Since that trip to Washington, my work has taken me a lot of places. Almost always I’ve been in the orbit of scientists and engineers and technologists. So, it’s no surprise that much of my career was spent working in a man’s world. Especially in telecom and the heyday of the wireless industry.  Rather than focus on gender difference, I chose to focus on learning as much as I could and how I could add value.  

Adopting that mindset early on was in large part thanks to my parents who gave me the gift of believing in myself.  Over many dinner conversations, my dad shared his wisdom.  He taught me that no matter what someone’s title or position is– how much power they have – what floor their office is on –, at the end of the day we are all just people – doing our jobs. 

Each of us have ideas that can add value

When I was growing up, he was fond of saying, “The cream rises to the top.” What he meant by that was that if you work hard and get really good at something, you’ll go places.  People will need your expertise.  And they will want to listen to your ideas.  Each of us have ideas that can add value!  In science and problem solving, one idea is often built on the back of another.  Your voice matters! 

In this two-part blog, adapted from my recent keynote, I share some pointers and strategies on how to show up, speak up and get your ideas heard.  I want to outline four things to tune in to, starting with your physical presence.

I believe words matter. I’ve dedicated my entire 40+-year career to helping people and organizations find the right words.  I don’t believe that a full 93% of meaning comes from body language and tone of voice. That said, I do agree that how you show up matters a lot. 

When you want your ideas to be heard, you have to exude confidence 

Confidence is contagious. When people sense that you are confident, they are more likely to be confident in you. So, what does confidence look like?  It’s tall posture.  It’s about the space you take up in your chair or the room. It’s expansive gestures.  Draping your arm across the back of a chair. It’s jumping up to the whiteboard to draw out your idea. Think about the advice you’ve heard about what to do if you are out hiking and run into a mountain lion.  Do you shrink?  No!  You try to appear as big and forceful as you can. The same principle applies.

Taking up space is important when you want your voice to be heard. 

One reason it’s challenging to get your ideas heard is that people don’t listen fully – especially in meetings.  That’s because they are often thinking about what they will say next.  Your voice has to capture attention.  You have to find your commanding voice.

I gave this advice to my youngest daughter Erica recently. She is 25 and with her face full of freckles and energetic demeanor, she looks like she could be 17.  She loves kids and animals. She’s planning to teach elementary school after she finishes her master’s in education. Last fall she was working at an afterschool program and having trouble getting large groups of kids to listen and follow her instructions. 

The other thing to know about Erica is that she started barrel racing when she was 12.  And she has a very well trained six-year old chocolate lab.  Erica knows how to get horses and dogs to behave!  So, I simply reminded her that she has a commanding voice when she needs to.  So now she just imagines that she’s looking out at a big litter of puppies – instead of kids – and she finds her “I’m in charge” voice.

It’s why Elizabeth Holmes the world’s youngest female billionaire and former CEO of Theranos – who fell from grace over false product claims about revolutionizing blood testing – intentionally spoke in an affected voice. She lowered her voice to an unusually deep baritone when her real voice sounded more like that of a young woman. This is how she tried to find her commanding voice.

The Power of Your Authentic Voice
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I don’t believe you have to fake your voice to get people to listen to your ideas. When you believe your ideas add value, you naturally speak with more conviction and authority. You speak up in your own authentic voice. Keep in mind that you can also sound more authoritative if you speak slowly and deliberately.  Sometimes we rush what we say out of excitement or nerves.  That won’t serve you well when you want to get your ideas heard.  

The other voice to tune in to is your inner voice – that voice inside your head. We all have one.  What are you saying to yourself?    How much do you value your own ideas?Are you struggling with self-doubt?  If you have to, give yourself a pep talk to encourage yourself to speak up and offer your ideas.  Remember, your ideas matter! It also helps to think through what you plan to say.  The next installment takes up the topic of your words.

​Read Part 2 here.